WPL 2026: Nadine de Klerk’s Last-Over Brilliance Seals RCB’s Triumphant Win Over MI

Redemption feels especially gratifying when it takes time to achieve.

Nadine de Klerk, celebrated for her game-changing performances that propelled South Africa to the final of the Women’s ODI World Cup, faced a challenge at the D.Y. Patil Stadium during the tournament’s climax. Just two months later, at the same venue, de Klerk secured a thrilling three-wicket victory for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Mumbai Indians in the 2026 Women’s Premier League season opener on Friday in Navi Mumbai.

Predictions of high-scoring sixes and a batting-friendly pitch initially fell flat as MI managed a modest 154/6 after being sent in to bat. Lauren Bell’s sharp outswing turned what seemed like a benign pitch into a daunting one for the hosts.

Amelia Kerr has consistently struggled as an opener in the WPL, and her dismissal dampened a crowd that was previously energized by the performances of Indian rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh.

AS IT HAPPENED | MI vs RCB Highlights

Instead, it was G. Kamalini who took charge. After the early departure of Nat Sciver-Brunt, the 17-year-old formed a crucial 28-run partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur off 22 balls to stabilize the innings. However, both were dismissed in quick succession around the halfway mark.

Sajeevan Sajana then combined with Nicola Carey to add 82 runs. Their aggressive, albeit sometimes awkward, batting was boosted by Sajana’s two reprieves, helping MI to post a respectable total.

RCB’s new opening duo, Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris, made a strong statement, raising questions about the true home team at the venue. A flurry of boundaries led to a rapid 23-ball, 40-run partnership.

Shabnim Ismail and Sciver-Brunt soon dismissed the aggressive pair in successive overs. A middle-order collapse followed, dampening spirits in the RCB camp, while Smriti perhaps reconsidered excluding Georgia Voll from the lineup.

De Klerk stood firm amidst the falling wickets. She received two crucial chances — a dropped catch and a missed run-out — keeping RCB in contention. Needing 18 off the last over, de Klerk turned the tables on Harmanpreet’s team, blasting two sixes and two fours to clinch a remarkable victory from the brink of defeat.

Published on Jan 09, 2026