WPL 2026: de Klerk fires RCB to opening win over Mumbai Indians

South Africa all-rounder Nadine de Klerk clubbed 20 off Nat Sciver-Brunt’s final four balls to secure a stunning three-wicket win for Royal Challengers Benglauru over Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League opener on Friday.

Chasing 155, RCB’s chances looked slim as they fell to 65-5 in the eighth over and then 121-7 after 17.

They left them needing 34 off 18 balls and that was only reduced to 29 off the final two overs.

The penultimate over went 11 to leave 18 required and De Klerk, who was well set, ensured the 2024 champions started with a win.

England captain Sciver-Brunt started with successive dot balls before De Klerk hit a six, four and six off the next three balls.

It left RCB needing two off the final delivery to beat the defending champions and De Klerk crunched Sciver-Brunt back over her head to seal a remarkable victory.

The 25-year-old had starred with the ball earlier too, claiming 4-26 to reduce Mumbai to 154-6.

She removed Sciver-Brunt for four in the first over after the Powerplay, before returning to remove Harmanpreet Kaur (20) in the 11th.

She also bowled the final over of the innings, removing Sajeevan Sajana (45) and Nicola Carey (40) as it went for just five.

England seamer Lauren Bell also impressed on her RCB debut, claiming figures of 1-14 in her four overs. (BBC)