WPL 2026, MI vs RCB Highlights: De Klerk punishes fielding errors by Mumbai, guides Royal Challengers to victory

WPL 2026, MI vs RCB Highlights, Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Nadine de Klerk plays a shot.

WPL 2026, MI vs RCB Highlights, Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: It looked like it was done and dusted as Mumbai Indians dismantled Royal Challengers Bengaluru's top order with ease. But Lady Luck had other plans as Nadine de Klerk stole the show, guiding RCB single-handedly to a three-wicket victory against MI in the opener of the 2025 Women's Premier League (WPL) season, at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Chasing 155, RCB reached 157/7 in 20 overs in a final over thriller. Harris started positively with opening partner Smriti Mandhana, but the RCB skipper fell to Shabnim Ismail, departing for 18 off 13 balls. Meanwhile, Grace Harris fell to Nat Sciver-Brunt ad Amanjot Singh removed Hemaltha. Radha Yadav was dismissed for one off two balls, by Kerr. It was the arrival of De Klerk, who built a strong partnership with Arundhati Reddy (20). De Klerk was dropped twice in the 19th over and a run-out chance was also missed. Then in the final she hit Sciver-Brunt for two sixes and two fours, taking RCB to victory. She also got her half-century, ending her day at 63* off 44 balls.

Initially, Mumbai Indians posted 154/6 in 20 overs against RCB. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, RCB got a strong start from Lauren Bell, who got a maiden over. MI opener Kerr was struggling right from the start, and lost her wicket to Bell in the fifth over, departing for four off 15 balls. Then good glovework from Richa Ghosh saw Nat Sciver-Brunt leave for the dugout, for four off three balls. Meanwhile, Shreyanka Patil broke the partnership between Kamalini and Harmanpreet Kaur, getting the former for 32 off 28 balls. Then the MI skipper fell to Nadine de Klerk, departing for 20 off 17 balls. S Sajana and Nicola Carey began the fightback for MI, and boundaries began to rain. Sajana hit seven fours and a six, eventually departing for 45 off 25 balls. Meanwhile, Nadine de Klerk got Carey's (40) wicket.

Key moments from MI vs RCB WPL 2026 opener:

• RCB get to 157/7 in 20 overs (Target - 155), win by three wickets
• MI post 154/6 in 20 overs
• MI reach 38/2 in seven overs
• MI Playing XI - Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), G Kamalini, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti, S Sajana, Saika Ishaque
• RCB Playing XI - Smriti Mandhana (capt), Grace Harris, D Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh, Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
• RCB captain Mandhana wins toss and opts to bowl