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MI vs RCB, WPL 2026 Live Score: Nadine de Klerk turns the tables on Mumbai, hands RCB victory
Often dubbed the most fierce rivalry of the WPL, the clash brings together two of the league’s strongest franchises and sets the tone for the season ahead.
Speaking ahead of the opener on JioHotstar, Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur spoke about handling pressure and enjoying the game. “You feel pressure in any format, whether it is WPL, international cricket or domestic matches. You set a high standard for yourself and expect a lot.
But the most important thing is to enjoy yourself on the field. Other than taking pressure, I would love to enjoy my game,” Harmanpreet said. She added that her role as captain is to help players feel comfortable and confident, even while leading a title-winning side.
RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana echoed a different but equally focused approach, emphasising discipline and consistency.
“I think the whole RCB squad is very balanced this season. We had a good mega auction. I always tell the team we have to focus on our work ethic. What happens on the field is not in our hands,” Mandhana said. She also expressed her desire to continue her strong batting form, adding, “I have been batting well in the last two years, and I want to bring that success from international cricket to the WPL.”
JioStar expert Veda Krishnamurthy noted that Mandhana will carry added responsibility this season, especially with Ellyse Perry unavailable.
“Smriti Mandhana has evolved as a cricketer. She uses her feet more and plays the leg side against spin, which is an added advantage. But Ellyse Perry’s absence is a big question,” Veda said. “Smriti will not just play a captain’s role, but also take on the responsibility of carrying the team forward.”
Veda also highlighted Mumbai Indians’ depth and balance, pointing to a strong core of international stars and match-winners. With the WPL 2026 underway, the opener promises a high-quality contest between a settled MI outfit and an RCB side looking to adapt and thrive.
- Amelia Kerr 0 (6)
- G Kamalini 0 (0)
Lauren Bell to Amelia Kerr, Bell gets it up there, very full, at the base of the off stump. Kerr gets her bat down and digs it out to cover. A probing first over from the English quick. She starts with a maiden.
Lauren Bell to Amelia Kerr, Another play and a miss! This has been a wonderful start from Bell. Lauren pitches it up and gets the ball to move away in the air, Amelia steps out to negate the swing and tries to whip it across the line but is well beaten.
Lauren Bell to Amelia Kerr, Still, no bat on ball! An outswinger on a good length around the fourth stump. Kerr looks to free her arms with an ambitious drive away from the body, but the ball whistles past the outside edge.
Lauren Bell to Amelia Kerr, A massive appeal for LBW, but not given! Mandhana has a chat with her bowler, but they opt not to review it. Probably doing a lot to slide down leg. Nips into the batter from the middle stump line. Kerr plays all over it and the ball beats the inside edge to rap on the front pad.
Lauren Bell to Amelia Kerr, Swing and a miss! Short of a length, outside off, curving away prodigiously. Amelia Kerr stands tall and swings across the line to pull, but misses.
Lauren Bell to Amelia Kerr, Starts off with an absolute beauty! Lands it around off, on a good length, and gets it to kick up and shape away late. Amelia Kerr hangs her bat away from the body to block, and gets beaten on the outside edge.
The wait is over, and we are all set to get underway in Navi Mumbai, where India tasted World Cup glory 68 days ago. It’s an electric atmosphere, as you’d expect, with close to a packed house already in attendance. Smriti Mandhana has her troops in a huddle before they take their respective positions in the field. No Hayley Matthews tonight due to being ill, so Amelia Kerr, who has opened in the past for MI, walks out with G Kamalini. Lauren Bell will kickstart proceedings with the new ball. Kerr will face the first ball from the tall English speedster. A slip in place. Here we go!
Before we get going, the two teams and match officials will line up for the Indian national anthem.
We are done with a glittering opening ceremony and are not far away from the first ball. Before that, let’s take a look at what the pitch has to offer. Former New Zealand wicket-keeper batter Katey Martin is pitchside, and she says it is a nice and cool evening. Katey notes that the straight boundary measures 66 metres, with the square boundaries coming in at 61 metres on one side and 53 metres on the other. Joining her, former India captain Mithali Raj adds that this is a red-soil surface which has been rolled very well, with a decent grass covering to help bind the wicket together. She feels the seamers could get a bit of assistance early on with the new ball, with some movement expected off the surface. Raj believes that it is an out-and-out batting-friendly wicket and she expects a high-scoring game. When asked by Katey whether 200 could be breached tonight, Mithali doesn’t rule it out, citing the nature of the surface and the boundary dimensions.
With the opening ceremony in full flow and performances still lighting up the stage, the curtain-raiser could see a slight delay, with the start likely to be pushed further by around 10 minutes. We don't have any official word regarding that, but since there are only a few minutes left for the regular start time, a delay does seem likely.
Mumbai Indians (Playing XI) - Harmanpreet Kaur (C), G Kamalini (WK), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey (On WPL debut), Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajana Sajeevan, and Saika Ishaque.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Smriti Mandhana (C), Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (WK), Radha Yadav, Nadine De Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Linsey Smith, and Lauren Bell.
While we await the playing XI of both sides, the lights are off at the DY Patil Stadium for the opening ceremony. The atmosphere is electric as there are a few power-packed performances lined up for the pre-match entertainment. Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, the very famous Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez and the ever energetic Indian popstar 'Yo-Yo' Honey Singh are the ones to set the stage on fire.
The captain of the Mumbai Indians, Harmanpreet Kaur, says they wanted to chase because the dew factor plays a huge role at DY Patil. Shares that the preparation has been great coming into the tournament, as they practised hard for the last 10 days, and everyone is looking in good touch. Informs that Hayley Matthews is unfortunately not playing as she is unwell, and Nicola Carey will be making her debut.
The captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Smriti Mandhana, says the decision to field first was influenced by the dew, which she feels plays a huge role at this venue and makes it a good chasing ground. Mandhana also speaks positively about the squad dynamic, saying the group has gelled really well. She describes it as a young, fun group that has prepared thoroughly, with everyone putting in the hard yards ahead of the season. She admits the excitement is building and says the team can’t wait to get started. Informs that they have 6 debutants, with Grace Harris, Nadine De Klerk, Lauren Bell, and Linsey Smith being the four overseas players featuring tonight.
TOSS - Smriti Mandhana calls it right at the coin flip and Royal Challengers Bengaluru elect to BOWL first.
The franchise captioned the post, “A familiar voice wishing strength and support. Perry sends her love and luck to the squad for the #WPL2026 season ahead.”
In the video, Perry addressed her teammates and the loyal “RCB Bold” fanbase, underlining the strong bond she has built with the team and the city over the past three seasons. She assured everyone that she would continue to support the side despite being away from the field.
“Hey team, all the very best tonight and for all of the WPL. I hope you guys have a great time. You’ve got the best fans in the world, and I’m sure they’ll be there cheering you on, as will I from home. Go well, have a great time,” Perry said in RCB's Instagram post.
Perry’s absence marks the end of a remarkable chapter in WPL history. Retained by RCB for Rs 2 crore, she was the most consistent performer in the tournament, scoring 972 runs across three seasons. She won the Orange Cap in 2024 with 347 runs at an average of 69.40 and also picked up 14 wickets.
Her all-round brilliance, including a record-breaking 6/15 against Mumbai Indians, made her one of the most valuable players in the league and a pillar of RCB’s success.
Mumbai Indians Women Squad: Hayley Matthews, G Kamalini(w), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Sajeevan Sajana, Poonam Khemnar, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy, Rahila Firdous, Milly Illingworth, Saika Ishaque, Nicola Carey
According to Veda, Mandhana will need to do more than just captain the side. “Smriti will not just play a captain’s role, but also take on the responsibility of carrying the team forward,” she added. While RCB still have firepower through players like Grace Harris, Richa Ghosh and Georgia Voll, replacing Perry’s impact will not be easy.
On the other hand, Mumbai Indians continue to look formidable. “They have Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur, Amanjot Kaur and Amelia Kerr forming a strong top order. With Shabnim Ismail added to the bowling, they get 16 overs of international quality,” Veda noted.
As the opener approaches, the contrast is clear: a settled MI unit against an RCB side adapting to change. The contest promises quality, intensity and plenty of talking points to kick off WPL 2026.
“I think the whole RCB squad is very balanced this season. We had a good mega auction. I always tell the team we have to focus on our work ethic. What happens on the field is not in our hands,” Mandhana said.
Mandhana has been in excellent batting form at the international level over the last two years and is keen to carry that momentum into the WPL. “I have been batting well in the last two years and I want to bring that success from international cricket to the WPL,” she added.
With RCB aiming to start strong, Mandhana’s leadership and runs at the top will be crucial. Her calm approach and clarity of thought reflect a captain focused on process rather than outcome.
As RCB prepare to face a settled Mumbai Indians side, their ability to stay disciplined and adapt quickly could define their campaign from the very first game.
“You feel pressure in any format, whether it is WPL, international cricket or domestic matches. You set a high standard for yourself and expect a lot. But the most important thing is to enjoy yourself on the field. Other than taking pressure, I would love to enjoy my game,” Harmanpreet said.
Leading a side that has won both the Women’s ODI World Cup and the WPL brings added responsibility, but Harmanpreet believes creating a relaxed environment is key. Her focus as captain is on helping players settle quickly and express themselves freely on the field.
Mumbai Indians have built a reputation for backing players and trusting their match-winners. Harmanpreet’s calm leadership has been central to that success. As the season gets underway, her message is clear: pressure is inevitable, but enjoyment and team support will drive performance.
With a strong squad and a clear mindset, MI look ready to defend their title once again.
Mumbai Indians enter the tournament as the most settled side, boasting a strong core that has delivered consistently over the years. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, winners in 2024, arrive with confidence after a successful mega auction and a squad that looks balanced across departments.
Ahead of the opener, both camps have spoken about mindset rather than pressure. The spotlight will be firmly on the captains, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, who are expected to lead from the front in this high-profile encounter.
With packed stands expected in Navi Mumbai and millions watching across the country, the first match is more than just two points. It is about making a statement early in the season. Will Mumbai Indians continue their dominance, or can RCB strike first and send a strong message to the rest of the league? We are moments away from finding out.
Ahead of the opener, captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana shared their approaches for the season. Harmanpreet highlighted the importance of enjoying the game and supporting teammates despite pressure, while Mandhana stressed work ethic and consistency after a strong auction.
Experts believe Mandhana will shoulder extra responsibility this season due to Ellyse Perry’s absence.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians are seen as a formidable unit with a settled core of international match-winners.
The opening match promises a high-intensity contest between a confident MI side and an RCB team eager to adapt and make a strong start to their WPL 2026 campaign.
Match Statistics
Venue
Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
