Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Harmanpreet Kaur indirectly blamed Nat Sciver-Brunt for team's three-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opener clash of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 clash at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Harmnapreet Kaur on MI defeat vs RCB
Harmanpreet believes that the side gave away chances to and didn't bowl a good ball in the last over, allowing Nadine de Klerk to score the needed runs. After MI's defeat, Harmanpreet also added that the side needs to move on and focus on the next match, improving their game. The World Cup-winning Indian captain also mentioned their poor start in the power play and the pitch getting better as the game progressed.
ALSO READ: Nadine de Klerk explains her approach after leading RCB to dramatic WPL 2026 opener victory
"(Last over) we know she [Nadine de Klerk] has that much capacity to score whatever runs are needed in the last over. We just did not bowl one good ball. This happens. We gave her chances, and sometimes, batters come with a strong mindset. We missed those chances. We did everything to win this game, but in the last over, if we could've bowled one good ball, we could have won the match. (Turn around to tomorrow) In WPL, we always get matches like that. If we stay in this game, it will not help us tomorrow. We need to think about what better we can do in the next match. (On the first innings) We did not get a good start in the power play. Hopefully, in the next match, we can sit and discuss how to go about it. It (the pitch) was not easy to bat, but it kept getting better and better," Harmanpreet Kaur said after the match.
Nadine de Klerk's performance vs MI
Nadine de Klerk's four-wicket haul, followed by a match-winning half-century, powered RCB to open their account with a win in the opening match of WPL 2026 against MI on Friday in Navi Mumbai. The South African all-rounder smashed 20 runs off the last over to get her side over the line and secure a win by 3 wickets over the defending champions. Notably, the target of 18 runs achieved by RCB is the second most in the final over of a WPL game, only behind 19 by UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants in Navi Mumbai back in 2023.
MI's upcoming WPL clash
Mumbai Indians will now face Delhi Capitals in their second clash of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 which will take place at the same venue.