RCB vs MI WPL 2026: Nadine de Klerk’s Last-Over Heist, Full Match Stats
Match Snapshot
RCB vs MI, WPL Opener 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced one of the most dramatic chases in Women’s Premier League (WPL) history, defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians by three wickets at DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai.
Match Result
- RCB: 157/7
- MI: 154/6
- Player of the Match: Nadine de Klerk (63* & 4/26)
What unfolded in the final over was not just a win—it was a statistical anomaly, a tactical gamble, and a psychological heist led by Nadine de Klerk.
Stat 1: 0.96% Win Probability – Almost Impossible
According to ESPNcricinfo’s win predictor, RCB had just 0.96% chance of winning after two balls of the final over, still needing 18 runs.
Why this is historic:
- Before this match, no team in women’s T20s (with ball-by-ball data available) had won needing more than 15 runs off the last four balls.
- RCB needed 18 off 4. They still won.
This alone places the chase among the greatest last-over turnarounds in women’s cricket.
Stat 2: 18 Runs in the Final Over – Elite Company
- 18 runs scored by Nadine de Klerk in the final over (20 off the over, but 18 required).
- 3rd-highest 20th-over haul in a successful chase across all women’s franchise leagues.
Ahead of de Klerk:
- 23 runs – Melbourne Stars vs Renegades (BBL 2022–23)
- 19 runs – UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants (WPL 2023)
Under extreme pressure, de Klerk delivered two sixes, two boundaries, and an unforgettable finish.
Stat 3: Rare Double
Fifty + Four-Wicket Haul
Only two players in WPL history have achieved this elite all-round feat in a single match:
| Player | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Nadine de Klerk (2026) | 63* | 4/26 |
| Deepti Sharma (2024) | 59 | 4/19 |
De Klerk’s performance qualifies as a textbook MVP impact—match-defining with both bat and ball.
Stat 4: Amelia Kerr
WPL’s Leading Wicket-Taker
- 42 WPL wickets – highest in tournament history
- Surpassed teammate Hayley Matthews (41)
- Key dismissals: Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh
Despite MI’s defeat, Kerr’s consistency reaffirmed her status as the league’s most reliable wicket-taker.
Stat 5: Lauren Bell’s Dot-Ball Masterclass
- 19 dot balls – joint-most in a WPL match
- Started with a maiden over
- Conceded her first run only after 10 deliveries
Interesting sub-stat: Amelia Kerr faced all 10 dots and scored on the 11th ball—the second-slowest start in WPL history.
Tactical Talking Point: Radha Yadav at No. 4
RCB’s decision to promote Radha Yadav to No. 4 raised eyebrows:
- Only twice has she batted above No. 8 in T20Is
- T20I highest score: 14
Coach Malolan Rangarajan later clarified:
- Radha bats at No. 4–5 in India A and domestic cricket
- Decision was planned, not reactive
While the move failed on the night, it reflected RCB’s long-term role-based planning.
Stat 6: 92 Runs After 5th Wicket – WPL Record
RCB added 92 runs after losing the fifth wicket, the most ever in a successful WPL chase.
Key contributors:
- Nadine de Klerk – composure and power
- Arundhati Reddy – stabilizing 20 (25)
- Prema Rawat – crucial late boundaries
This phase transformed a collapsing chase into a legendary one.
DY Patil Advantage: Chasers Rule
- Win-loss record for chasing teams: 9–3
- Lowest defended total: 182/4 (MI vs UPW, 2023)
RCB’s decision to chase aligned with venue trends—even without dew.
MI’s Uncharacteristic Batting Collapse
Senior batters failed collectively:
- Kerr, Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet: 28 runs combined
- First single-digit score for Sciver-Brunt in 13 innings
However, MI recovered through:
- S Sajana: 45 (25), despite being dropped twice
- Nicola Carey: 40 valuable runs
Their 85-run partnership made the contest competitive.
Selection Strategy: Bowlers Over Batters
RCB left Georgia Voll, a specialist batter, on the bench—opting instead for bowling depth.
Malolan Rangarajan explained:
- Preference for an overseas spinner
- Confidence in existing batters playing defined roles
- Focus on flexibility and pressure absorption
This bold strategy nearly backfired—but was ultimately validated by victory.
Final Word: A Win That Redefined Belief
Nadine de Klerk’s last-over assault was not just a highlight—it was a case study in clutch performance.
- Lowest win probability ever overturned in WPL
- Rare all-round double
- Tactical risk rewarded
For RCB, this was more than two points. It was a statement of intent that unconventional planning, when backed with belief, can rewrite history.
Related Reading
- Official WPL Coverage – BCCI
- ESPNcricinfo WPL Stats & Analytics
- RCB Women Squad & Match Reports