In the opening match of Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women produced a composed all-round performance to edge past Mumbai Indians Women by three wickets in a closely fought contest, successfully chasing down 155 in the final over after RCB opted to field first.
Put into bat, Mumbai Indians Women posted a competitive 154 for 6 in their 20 overs, built around a strong middle order effort. The innings got off to a shaky start as Amelia Kerr struggled for timing and fell early for 4, while Nat Sciver-Brunt also departed cheaply.
However, the momentum shifted when G Kamalini played a fluent knock of 32 off 28 balls, striking five boundaries to stabilise the innings. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added intent with a brisk 20, but it was the late surge that truly lifted Mumbai to a defendable total.
Nicola Carey and Sajeevan Sajana were the standout contributors. Carey’s 40 off 29 balls provided stability, while Sajana’s explosive 45 from just 25 deliveries, including seven fours and a six, powered Mumbai through the death overs.
Their partnership ensured Mumbai crossed the 150-run mark, despite disciplined spells from Nadine de Klerk, who was the pick of the RCB bowlers with an impressive four wicket haul. Lauren Bell and Shreyanka Patil also chipped in with a wicket each to keep the scoring in check.
Chasing 155, RCB Women began positively, with Grace Harris setting the tone through an attacking 25 off 12 balls. Smriti Mandhana looked in good touch but fell for 18, while the middle order struggled to maintain momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Mumbai’s bowlers, led by Amelia Kerr and Nicola Carey, kept things tight, with Kerr returning figures of 2 for 13, applying pressure during the crucial middle overs. At 63 for 4, and later 121 for 7, RCB appeared to be in trouble. However, Nadine de Klerk held her nerve and anchored the chase with a superb unbeaten 63 off 44 balls.
Displaying calm under pressure, she combined sensible strike rotation with timely boundaries. Arundhati Reddy (20) supported her briefly, but it was Prema Rawat’s late cameo of 8 not out that proved decisive. Together, they guided RCB past the target.
Mumbai’s bowlers showed fight throughout, with Nat Sciver-Brunt and Shabnim Ismail picking up key wickets, but the lack of breakthroughs at the death proved costly. RCB’s composure in the final overs made the difference in a thrilling finish.
Overall, it was a well-earned victory for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, highlighted by Nadine de Klerk’s all-round brilliance with both bat and bowl.
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