Former India captain Mithali Raj commended the crucial partnership between Nadine de Klerk and Arundhati Reddy, setting the stage for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s exciting win over Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 opener in Navi Mumbai. De Klerk’s unbeaten 63 off 44 balls, coupled with Arundhati’s 20 off 23 balls, formed a pivotal 52-run partnership that rescued RCB from a challenging 67/5 start after the Power-play.
The Women’s Premier League Season 4 commenced with a thrilling last-ball finish, as de Klerk’s explosive 20 runs off the final four balls secured victory for RCB against Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium. Mithali Raj expressed her satisfaction with the intense start to WPL Season 4, emphasizing the excitement and competitiveness displayed in the match.
Reflecting on de Klerk and Reddy’s partnership, Mithali Raj highlighted the significance of Arundhati’s supportive role in enabling de Klerk’s impactful innings. Raj praised de Klerk’s consistent performance and ability to handle pressure situations, underscoring the importance of partnerships in shaping match outcomes. Katey Martin also lauded de Klerk’s confidence and composure under pressure, emphasizing the critical role played by Reddy in supporting de Klerk’s match-winning performance.
