The fourth season Women’s Premier League 2026 ignited by a high-stakes clash between the reigning champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. Smriti Mandhana He won the toss and elected to field, citing the potential effect of evening dew on the chase. Englandof Lauren Bell RCB made their debut and immediately looked home, finding sharp action troubling the world-class MI batting order. while Gunalan Kamalini showed early aggression with several crisp drives, the focus quickly shifted to a tight battle between Bell and. Amelia Kerr.
Lauren Bell marks RCB debut by dismissing Amelia Kerr to pick first wicket for WPL 2026
The first success of WPL 2026 came from RCB debutant Lauren Bell, who produced a dream start by dismissing the dangerous Kerr for just 4 runs off 15 balls. Kerr etched himself into the record books for all the wrong reasons, setting a new WPL record for slowest start by first innings and taking 11 deliveries just to get off the mark.
During his stay at the crease, Kerr looked completely at sea against Bell’s extravagant inside movement and extra bounce, playing and missing eight of the 11 balls the tall English pacer bowled at him. The dismissal eventually came in the 5th over, when Kerr tried to slide a tricky length delivery over the line, only to get a leading edge that flew straight. Arundhati Reddy in extra cover. Bell’s clinical opening spell, a maiden and figures of 1/7 in his first three overs, rattled Mumbai Indians and proved that RCB’s new overseas recruits are a perfect fit for the Navi Mumbai track.
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WPL 2026: Late surge lifts MI to batting 154 as RCB’s bowlers hold the key well
Mumbai recovered from early jitters and a stuttering middle over to post a competitive 154/6 against Bengaluru in the opening match of WPL 2026 in Navi Mumbai.
Asked to bat first, MI struggled to gain momentum in the powerplay, managing just 34 runs and losing Kerr early. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur fell in succession to release in search of stability. This stability was achieved through a measured restructuring led by Kamali, followed by a decisive acceleration. Nicola Carey and Sajeevan Sajanawhose fifth wicket partnership changed the momentum of the innings.
Carey played the anchor with a 29-ball 40, while Sajana provided the spark, attacking the spinners and taking the same pace to 45 off just 25 deliveries, including seven boundaries and a six. The last five overs resulted in 54 runs, allowing MI to cross the 150 mark despite losing wickets late on. However, RCB’s bowlers prevented the damage Nadine de Klerk Picking up four wickets for 26, he struck repeatedly as MI threatened to break away. Bell was impressive with the new ball, conceding just 14 runs in four overs and setting the tone early. Shreyanka Patil a decisive breakthrough was achieved.
Also WATCH: Ellyse Perry shares emotional tribute to RCB ahead of WPL 2026 clash with Mumbai Indians
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
