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Nadine de Klerk’s Late Blitz Powers RCB To Dramatic WPL 2026 Win Over MI
By CricShots - Jan 10, 2026 8:46 am
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru pulled off one of the most dramatic wins in Women’s Premier League history as they edged past Mumbai Indians by three wickets in a thrilling WPL 2026 opener at Navi Mumbai on Friday. What looked like a comfortable defence for the defending champions turned into a nightmare, thanks largely to a nerveless and match-defining knock from Nadine de Klerk.

Nadine de Klerk
Nadine de Klerk took RCB over the line againt MI

Chasing a modest target of 155, RCB began brightly with Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris showing positive intent in the Powerplay. Harris looked particularly dangerous during her brief stay, striking 25 off just 12 deliveries, while Mandhana chipped in with an 18-ball 18. However, neither batter could convert their starts, and once both openers fell, RCB’s innings lost momentum.

The collapse that followed threatened to derail the chase entirely. Dayalan Hemalatha struggled to find timing and was dismissed for seven, while Richa Ghosh managed only six runs before falling cheaply. Radha Yadav’s stay was even shorter, scoring just one run as RCB slumped into serious trouble with the required rate climbing rapidly.

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With the pressure mounting, Nadine de Klerk and Arundhati Reddy showed composure well beyond the situation. The pair rebuilt cautiously, rotating strike and pouncing on loose deliveries to keep RCB in the hunt. Arundhati played a valuable supporting role, contributing 20 off 25 balls before being dismissed at the start of the 17th over.

Shreyanka Patil followed soon after, leaving RCB seven wickets down and still needing a challenging 29 runs from the final two overs. Mumbai Indians appeared firmly in control, but the game turned in the 19th over. Harmanpreet Kaur threw the ball to Shabnim Ismail, hoping her pace would seal the contest. Instead, it opened the door for RCB.

 

 

Nadine De Klerk was reprieved twice in the over, with Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr both spilling catches, and a fumbled run-out chance further compounded MI’s woes. De Klerk made MI pay dearly, while Prema Rawat chipped in with a crucial boundary to reduce the equation to 18 off the final over.

Sciver-Brunt was entrusted with the last over and started superbly with two dot balls, seemingly turning the tide back in MI’s favour. But De Klerk had other ideas. Showing immense clarity under pressure, she launched a stunning counterattack, smashing a six over long-off, followed by a four and another maximum over deep midwicket.

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With just two runs needed off the final ball, Nadine De Klerk showed no interest in playing safe, punishing a loose yorker straight back over the bowler’s head to seal a memorable victory. Nadine De Klerk finished unbeaten on 63 off 44 balls, completing a remarkable half-century and scoring 20 runs in the final over alone.

Speaking after the match, she reflected on staying patient and backing her skills, crediting key partnerships and vital contributions from Arundhati Reddy and Prema Rawat. It was a statement win for RCB and a reminder that in the WPL, no match is over until the final ball is bowled.

Tags Mumbai Indians WomenNadine de KlerkRCB vs MIRoyal Challengers BengaluruWPL 2026WPL 2026 opener