RCB Beats MI in WPL Opener 2026

The RCB women’s team has done it again! On the opening day of the WPL, the Bangalore girls were able to defeat the Mumbai Indians by 3 wickets. The match was held at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 9, Friday. Meanwhile, the Royal Challengers won the match after Nat Sciver-Brunt dropped Nadine de Klerk off the first ball in the 19th over. Let’s check out the updates!

Nadine De Klerk’s All-round Performance

Klerk got another reprieve three balls later when she was reportedly dropped on the mid-wicket boundary and G Kamini missed a run out. Of course, Nadine De Klerk took complete advantage of the situation and hit 20 runs off the last 4 bowls by SciverBrunt. This is what led RCB to a 3-wicket win against MI. 

When asked about the historic win, Klerk said, “It is probably going to take a couple of days. If it is your day, you have to ensure you cash in. Glad to get the win.”

RCB’s Flying Start

The RCB team was off to a flying start, and already reached 40/0 by the third over. It also looked like they would overhaul the target of 155 set by MI easily. However, the team members lost their way thereafter by losing 5 wickets in 24 balls. 

This handed the advantage to the defending champions (MI), who could not close out the match. Later, De Klerk stepped in and saved the team. 

MI Members Put in Their Effort

Sajana, who was dropped twice earlier, counter-attacked the RCB bowlers. Carey also gave some cheeky shots to give MI a fighting total on board. Sajana was able to score a 25-ball 45 with 7 fours and a six.

Carey, on the other hand, gave a knock of 40 in 29 balls with four boundaries. RCB’s bowling effort was led by Lauren Bell who also made her debut in the competition. She also did not allow MI openers Amelia Kerr, Hayley Mathews, and G Kamalini any room to free their arms. 

Overall, the RCB team’s first victory reminded everyone of their victory in the second season of WPL held in 2024.