Published: Jan 10, 2026, 08:40 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 10, 2026, 09:01 AM (IST)
The Women’s Premier League 2026 kicked off on Friday with a thrilling contest as Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Mumbai Indians by three wickets. Nadine de Klerk played a decisive role in RCB’s victory, first with the ball and then with a sensational unbeaten half-century.
Chasing 155, RCB needed 18 runs in the final over. After two dot balls, Nadine de Klerk shifted gears dramatically, smashing a six off the third delivery, a four on the fourth, and another six on the fifth ball against Nat Sciver-Brunt. With two runs required off the final ball, she sealed a memorable win by hitting a four.
De Klerk finished unbeaten on 63 off 44 balls, which included seven fours and two sixes.
Earlier in the match, Nadine de Klerk delivered a brilliant bowling spell, picking up four wickets for 26 runs in four overs. With this performance, she became only the second player in WPL history to register a four-wicket haul and a half-century in the same match. Deepti Sharma was the first to achieve this feat.
De Klerk also set a new record for the highest individual score while batting at number six or lower in the WPL. The previous record was held by C. Henry, who had scored 62.
Nadine de Klerk is a South African all-rounder known for her ability to deliver under pressure, especially in the lower order. Despite playing only two WPL matches so far, she has already made a strong impact, scoring 64 runs and taking six wickets.
At the international level, the 25-year-old has represented South Africa in four Tests, 58 ODIs, and 70 T20Is. She has scored 114 runs and taken four wickets in Tests, accumulated 934 runs and 68 wickets in ODIs, and added 667 runs and 52 wickets in T20 internationals.
De Klerk’s ability to finish matches was on display earlier as well during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. In a league-stage match against India, she scored an unbeaten 84 off 54 balls to guide South Africa to victory.
Chasing 252, South Africa were struggling at 211 for seven in the 46th over. De Klerk then single-handedly turned the game around, striking eight fours and five sixes to seal a remarkable win.
