WPL 2026 opener: Nadine de Klerk's all-round show gives RCB last-ball win over Mumbai Indians
Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat defending champions Mumbai Indians by three wickets off the last ball in the Women's Premier League 2026 opener at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on 9 January 2026, with Nadine de Klerk taking 4-26 and scoring 63 not out.
Summary
The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 opened at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on 9 January 2026 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru beating defending champions Mumbai Indians by three wickets off the final ball. Mumbai made 154 for 6 after South Africa all-rounder Nadine de Klerk took 4 for 26; RCB, at 65 for 5 and later needing 18 off the last over, reached 157 for 7 as de Klerk hit 20 off Nat Sciver-Brunt's last four balls to finish on 63 not out off 44. RCB (2024 champions) and Mumbai Indians are the only two teams to have won the WPL title.
Key facts
- Match
- WPL 2026 opener — MI vs RCB
- Venue, date
- DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, 9 January 2026
- Result
- RCB (157/7) beat MI (154/6) by 3 wickets, off the last ball
- Star
- Nadine de Klerk — 4/26 and 63* off 44
- Context
- MI defending champions; RCB 2024 champions
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Who starred with 4-26 and 63 not out as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2026 opener on 9 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Nadine de Klerk
ESPNcricinfo, BBC Sport and The Indian Express: Nadine de Klerk took 4 for 26 and scored 63 not out off 44 balls.
Consider the following statements about the WPL 2026 opening match: 1. It was played at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. 2. Mumbai Indians were the defending champions. 3. RCB won by seven wickets with an over to spare. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
ESPNcricinfo and BBC Sport: statements 1 and 2 are correct; RCB won by three wickets off the last ball.