WPL 2026, match 1: Nadine de Klerk’s power takes RCB over the line against MI in a last-ball thriller

South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk was the star for RCB, scoring 20 off the last four balls, including crucial boundaries in the final ball, to take them home in the first match of WPL 2026.

Nadine de Klerk scored 18 off last 4 balls to hand RCB full points.

In a finish that defied logic and shattered nerves, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off a miraculous three-wicket victory over the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI) to kick off the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League. On a night that began with the glitz of a star-studded opening ceremony, it ended with a singular, gritty performance from South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk, who proved to be MI’s ultimate nemesis at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy.

de Klerk scores 20 off the last 5 to take RCB home

Chasing 155 for victory, RCB appeared down and out at 121/7, needing 34 runs from the final three overs with only the lower order to accompany a set de Klerk.

However, the game transformed into an instant classic in the final six deliveries, where 18 runs were required. Against the experienced Nat Sciver-Brunt Nadine de Klerk unleashed a calculated assault—0, 0, 6, 4, 6, 4 - to seal the game on the very last ball, sending the Bengaluru faithful into absolute raptures.

Not to forget, Nadine de Klerk was dropped twice, and she also survived a run-out chance - all in the penultimate over to give hope to RCB fans.

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The first innings: De Klerk’s bowling masterclass

Earlier in the evening, Smriti Mandhana’s decision to bowl first looked inspired. Lauren Bell set the tone with a clinical opening spell, removing Amelia Kerr for 4.

However, it was de Klerk who dismantled the MI engine room. She first lured Nat Sciver-Brunt into a stumping before trapping the dangerous Harmanpreet Kaur (20) leg-before-wicket.

MI found themselves reeling at 67/4 before a sensational counter-attack from Sajeevan Sajana (45 off 25), and Nicola Carey (40 off 29) breathed life back into their innings. The duo put on an 82-run stand, taking the score to 154/6. Despite the late onslaught, de Klerk finished with career-best WPL figures of 4/26 ensuring the target remained within reach.

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The chase: A middle-order collapse

RCB’s response started with a flurry of boundaries from Grace Harris (25 off 12) and Smriti Mandhana (18 off 13), racing to 40/0 in just four overs.

But the introduction of spin changed the complexion of the game. Amelia Kerr (2/13) and Amanjot Kaur tore through the middle order, reducing RCB from 40/0 to a precarious 65/5 in a matter of 23 balls.

As the required rate climbed toward 12 an over, de Klerk found a steady partner in Arundhati Reddy (20). While they kept the scoreboard ticking, Nicola Carey’s double-strike in the 17th over, removing both Reddy and Shreyanka Patil, seemed to have signaled the end for Bengaluru.

The final over thriller

With 18 runs needed off the final over and the field spread wide, the pressure was on Sciver-Brunt. The drama peaked as follows:

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