Nadine de Klerk cashed in when it mattered as RCB win thrilling WPL 2026 opener

In this scratchy start on the field to the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) elevated by Lauren Bell’s fine spell of swing bowling and Sajana’s charmed counter-attacking 25-ball 45, it was de Klerk who delivered thrilling drama and a three-wicket last-ball win for RCB on Friday.

With RCB staring down the barrel inside the eighth over at 65/5 chasing 155, de Klerk, who’d done her fair share with the ball picking up 4/26, showed the kind of value she brings to a team.

Harmanpreet Kaur would know well, watching the South African turn the tables on India in the league game of the ODI World Cup last year. She watched on as MI captain this time, as de Klerk first steadied the ship and then sailed it home off the final ball with her unbeaten 63 off 44 balls.