Harmanpreet Kaur Analyzes Mumbai Indians' Setback Against RCB in WPL Opener

Mumbai Indians Reflect on Opening Loss

Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 10: After the Mumbai Indians (MI) faced defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the inaugural match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), skipper Harmanpreet Kaur shared her thoughts on the game. She pointed out that the team missed crucial opportunities and failed to deliver effective bowling in the final over, which allowed Nadine de Klerk to secure the necessary runs for RCB.

In her post-match comments, she stressed the importance of moving forward and concentrating on their upcoming match while aiming to enhance their performance. Harmanpreet also acknowledged their sluggish start during the power play and noted that the pitch conditions improved as the match progressed.

Nadine de Klerk's impressive four-wicket haul, coupled with her match-winning half-century, led RCB to a thrilling victory against MI, marking their first win in WPL 2026 on Friday in Navi Mumbai.

She scored 20 runs in the last over, clinching a 3-wicket win over the defending champions.

“We know Nadine has the ability to score the required runs in the final over. Unfortunately, we didn’t bowl effectively. We provided her with opportunities, and sometimes batters come in with a strong mindset. We missed those chances. We did everything possible to win, but if we had bowled just one good ball in that last over, we could have taken the match. Looking ahead, we need to focus on what we can improve for the next game. Our power play start was not ideal, and I hope we can strategize better for the next match. The pitch was challenging initially but became more favorable as the game went on,” Harmanpreet Kaur stated after the match.

RCB's achievement of scoring 18 runs in the final over is the second-highest in WPL history, just behind the 19 runs scored by UP Warriorz against Gujarat Giants in Navi Mumbai back in 2023.