Nadine de Klerk’s stunning brilliance powers RCB to thrilling heist Against MI in WPL 2026 Opener

 


Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Nadine de Klerk produced a sensational all-round performance to script a dramatic victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the opening match of the WPL 2026, played in Mumbai on Friday, January 9.

Chasing a tricky target, RCB found themselves under pressure in the final over, needing 18 runs from the last four balls. After beginning with a couple of dot deliveries against Nat Sciver-Brunt, de Klerk turned the game on its head. She launched Sciver-Brunt for a towering six over long-off, followed by a clever four behind square leg off a bumper. Showing remarkable composure, the South African all-rounder then smashed another maximum over deep mid-wicket before sealing the win with a boundary straight over the bowler’s head.

De Klerk remained unbeaten on a superb 63 off 44 balls, striking at 143.18, an innings laced with seven fours and two sixes.

Earlier, she had already made a massive impact with the ball, returning outstanding figures of 4/26 in her four overs. Her spell included the crucial wickets of MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, tilting the balance firmly in RCB’s favour.

Batting first, Mumbai Indians posted 154/6 in their 20 overs. Sajeevan Sajana top-scored with an aggressive 45 off 25 balls, hitting one six and seven boundaries. Nicola Carey contributed a brisk 40 off 29, while Gunalan Kamalini (32 off 28) and Harmanpreet Kaur (20 off 17) added useful runs. For RCB, apart from de Klerk, Lauren Bell bowled an excellent spell, conceding just 14 runs and picking up one wicket, including a maiden over.

In reply, RCB began strongly as Grace Harris (25 off 12) and skipper Smriti Mandhana (18 off 13) provided a flying start. However, a middle-order collapse put the chase in jeopardy. De Klerk then anchored the innings with poise, while Arundhati Reddy offered valuable support with a gritty 20 off 25 balls.

For MI, Amelia Kerr was the standout bowler, finishing with economical figures of 2/13, while Nicola Carey picked up 2/35. Amanjot Kaur, Shabnim Ismail, and Nat Sciver-Brunt chipped in with one wicket each.

Ultimately, it was Nadine de Klerk’s heroics with both bat and ball that ensured RCB began their WPL 2026 campaign with a memorable and hard-fought victory.

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