RCB Make WPL History With Stunning Last-Ball Chase, Nadine de Klerk Shines

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) scripted a historic victory in the 2026 Women’s Premier League season opener, chasing down 90 runs in the last 10 overs to defeat defending champions Mumbai Indians. This remarkable feat makes RCB the first team in WPL history to achieve such a late-innings chase, surpassing the previous record of 82 runs by UP Warriors against Gujarat Giants in 2023.

The match saw incredible performances from both sides, with Mumbai’s Harmanpreet Kaur finishing as the top scorer and Amelia Kerr leading in wickets. However, it was RCB’s Nadine de Klerk who stole the show with a brilliant all-round display. She claimed four crucial wickets during Mumbai’s innings and then anchored RCB’s chase with an unbeaten 63, including 18 runs off the final over, securing the thrilling last-ball win.

Mumbai Indians, asked to bat first, started cautiously before Gunalan Kamalini accelerated with two boundaries off Linsey Smith. RCB’s Lauren Bell bowled 19 dot balls in her spell, and de Klerk struck early by dismissing Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur, leaving Mumbai under pressure at 67 for 4. Sajeevan Sajana’s fluent 45 helped Mumbai post a competitive 154 for 6.

RCB began their chase strongly through Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris, but the middle order collapsed, leaving them 75 for 5. De Klerk, alongside Arundhati Reddy, steadied the innings and finished the historic chase, cementing her status as the star of the match.