The Women’s Premier League 2026 began with a tense and high-quality contest as Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women secured a narrow three-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians Women at the DY Patil Sports Academy. A composed chase under pressure and decisive performances in the final overs helped RCB start their campaign on a winning note.
Mumbai Indians Women put up a competitive total after being asked to bat first, but Bengaluru’s calm approach in the closing stages ensured they crossed the line in the final over of the match.
MI Women Innings: Steady Middle-Order Contribution
Mumbai Indians Women built their innings around meaningful middle-order partnerships after losing early momentum. Nicola Carey played a fluent knock, rotating the strike well and finding the boundary when required. Sajeevan Sajana provided late acceleration, lifting the scoring rate in the final phase.
Despite disciplined bowling from RCB, Mumbai managed to post a total that looked defendable on a surface offering consistent bounce.
RCB Women Innings: Nadine de Klerk Anchors the Chase
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women were tested throughout the chase as wickets fell at regular intervals. Nadine de Klerk, however, held one end firmly and delivered a composed unbeaten half-century, balancing patience with timely aggression.
Support from the lower middle order ensured the required rate never spiraled out of control, and RCB sealed the match with confident stroke play in the final over.
Key Performers
- Nadine de Klerk (RCB Women): 63 not out off 44 balls
- Sajeevan Sajana (MI Women): 45 off 25 balls
- Nicola Carey (MI Women): 40 off 29 balls
- Nadine de Klerk (RCB Women): 4 wickets for 26 runs
Turning Point of the Match
The final three overs proved decisive as de Klerk maintained composure against quality bowling. Her ability to find gaps rather than rely solely on power shots shifted the momentum firmly in Bengaluru’s favour.
What This Result Means
This win gives Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women early momentum in the tournament and highlights their improved finishing ability under pressure. Mumbai Indians Women, despite the loss, showed strong intent and depth that should keep them competitive as the season progresses.
With the WPL 2026 underway in dramatic fashion, both teams will take confidence from key performances as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Brief Score Summary
Mumbai Indians Women 154 for 6 in 20 overs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women 157 for 7 in 20 overs
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women won by three wickets
