New Delhi: Sajeevan Sajana and Nicola Carey produced a fantastic rescue effort to help Mumbai Indians (MI) put up a modest first innings total on the board against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening match of the Women’s Premier League 2026.
In the opening encounter at the Navi Mumbai stadium on Friday, Bengaluru bowlers showcased class to push the Mumbai side against the wall in the first ten overs but both Sajana and Carey displayed calmness to help the side score 154/6 in the stipulated 20 overs. Mumbai were struggling at 67 for 4 in the 11th over when both the batters started the rescue mission taking the team to considerable position.
While Sajana scored 45 runs off just 25 balls including 7 fours and a six, Carey played a much calm knock scoring 40 off 29 including 4 boundaries. Wicketkeeper G Kamalini also contributed 32 runs while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur could not take her score beyond 20. Amelia Kerr and Nat Sciver-Brunt, two of the best batters in the side, failed to showcase any impact scoring 4 runs each while rest of the batters failed.
Nadine de Klerk shines with four-fer
Bengaluru bowler Nadine de Klerk proved to be the pick of the bowlers for the side claiming four wickets. It was her single-handed effort which derailed the progression of the side after they were out into bat first by RCB. He figures of 4 for 26 set up the base for the visiting side with Lauren Bell and Shreyanka Patil also contributing with a wicket each.
Earlier, Smriti Mandhana won the toss and opted to bowl first at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai keeping in mind the dew factor. The WPL fourth season began with glittering opening ceremony with dance and music set the tone for the much-awaited edition.
Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians: 154 for 6 in 20 overs (Gunalan Kamalini 32, Sajeevan Sajana 45, Nicola Carey 40; Nadine de Klerk 4/26).