Nadine de Klerk leads RCB to three-wicket win against MI in WPL opener

RCB players celebrating after beating MI in WPL opener at Navi Mumbai.
RCB players celebrating after beating MI in WPL opener at Navi Mumbai.

NAVI MUMBAI, Jan 9: Royal Challengers Bengaluru, riding on an all-round display by South African stalwart Nadine de Klerk, defeated defending champions Mumbai Indians by three wickets in a last-ball thriller in the opening match of the Women’s Premier League Season 4 here on Friday.

Thanks to de Klerk, who returned excellent bowling figures of 4/26, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 154 for 6 with Sajeevan Sajana (45) and Nicola Carey (40) sharing an 82-run stand for the fifth wicket.

RCB looked in dire straits while batting as they were down at 65 for 5, but de Klerk the batter came up with a blazing unbeaten knock of 63 off 44 balls, studded with seven boundaries and two sixes as she guided her team to 157 for 7 off the last ball for a memorable win.

Brief Scores:

Mumbai Indians: 154 for 6 in 20 overs (Gunalan Kamalini 32, Sajeevan Sajana 45, Nicola Carey 40; Nadine de Klerk 4/26).

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 157 for 7 in 20 overs (Nadine de Klerk 63 not out; Amelia Kerr 2/13, Nicola Carey 2/25). (PTI)