A nerve-shredding thriller marked the start of WPL 2026 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru pulled off a dramatic last-ball win over Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium. Chasing 155, RCB crossed the line off the final delivery, once again riding on the composure and power of Nadine de Klerk.
Batting first, MI posted 154/6, a total that looked competitive but never entirely secure. The night, however, belonged to de Klerk, who continues to be a puzzle MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur is yet to solve, the head-to-head now reading 2–1 in the South African’s favour.
RCB’s chase began in brisk fashion with Grace Harris setting the tone, but the innings soon unravelled. Wickets fell in clusters, and at 65/5, RCB were firmly on the ropes. Each comeback attempt seemed to be snuffed out, and the dismissal of Arundhati Reddy after the 16th-over timeout appeared decisive. The equations grew steeper: 29 off 12, then 18 off the final over.
What followed was a masterclass in calm under pressure. de Klerk farmed the strike, found the boundaries when needed and refused to panic. With ice in her veins, she took RCB home off the last ball, finishing on an unbeaten 63 off 44 deliveries. At the fall of their fifth wicket, RCB still needed 90, the highest successful last-five-wicket chase in WPL history.
Earlier, DY Patil buzzed with anticipation as memories of India’s recent triumph at the venue lingered. MI, missing the injured Hayley Matthews, opened with Amelia Kerr and G Kamalini. Kerr struggled against Lauren Bell, while Kamalini showed promise before falling to Shreyanka Patil.
De Klerk struck twice in the middle overs, removing Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet. MI were reeling at 67/4 before Sajeevan Sajana and Nicola Carey counter-attacked with an 82-run stand. Sajana’s 45 and Carey’s fluent 40 revived MI, but de Klerk closed the innings superbly to cap a memorable all-round night.
WPL 2026 could scarcely have asked for a better opening act.
For More Sports Related News: Follow RevSportz
