Navi Mumbai: January 9 – South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk produced a stunning all-round performance to power Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a sensational three-run victory over defending champions Mumbai Indians in the opening match of the Women’s Premier League in Navi Mumbai on Friday.
After opting to field first, RCB were rewarded with a disciplined bowling display led by De Klerk, who returned figures of four for 26 to restrict Mumbai Indians to 154 for 6 in 20 overs. Her spell proved decisive as MI, despite strong contributions in the middle and death overs, fell short of a bigger total.
Chasing 155 for victory, RCB found themselves under severe pressure at 137 for 7, needing 18 runs from the final over. De Klerk then took charge of the chase, smashing an unbeaten 63 off 44 balls, studded with seven fours and two sixes. She struck a six and a four off the third and fourth deliveries of the last over, followed by another six off the penultimate ball, before calmly dispatching the final delivery from Nat Sciver-Brunt to the boundary to seal a dramatic win.
The thrilling finish gave Royal Challengers Bengaluru a perfect start to their WPL campaign, while Mumbai Indians were left to rue a narrow defeat despite a competitive performance.
