WATCH: Dream start for Lauren Bell at RCB as Amelia Kerr becomes first wicket of WPL 2026

The fourth season of the Eredivisie Women 2026 ignited with a high-stakes clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians And Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. Smriti Mandhana won the toss and was elected fielder, citing the possible impact of late evening dew on the chase. England‘S Lauren Bell made her RCB debut and immediately looked home, finding crisp movements that unsettled the world-class MI batting order. While Gunalan Kamalini showed early aggression with a few sharp drives, the focus quickly shifted to the intense battle between Bell and Amelia Kerr.

Lauren Bell marks RCB debut by dismissing Amelia Kerr and picking first wicket of WPL 2026

The first breakthrough of WPL 2026 came from RCB’s debutant Lauren Bell, who orchestrated a dream start by dismissing the dangerous Kerr for just 4 runs off 15 balls. Finding herself in the record books for all the wrong reasons, Kerr set a new WPL record for the slowest start by an opening batsman, taking 11 deliveries to get off the line.

During her time at the crease, Kerr looked completely at sea despite Bell’s extravagant inward movement and extra bounce, playing and missing on eight of the 11 balls the tall English pacer threw at her. The dismissal finally came in the 5th over when Kerr tried to sweep a hard delivery over the line but was given an edge that flew straight to the line. Arundhati Reddy with extra coverage. Bell’s clinical opening spell, which included a maiden over and figures of 1/7 in her first three overs, left Mumbai Indians reeling and proved that RCB’s new overseas recruit is a perfect fit for the bouncy Navi Mumbai track.

Here’s the video:

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WPL 2026: Late surge lifts MI to a fighting 154 as RCB’s bowlers keep the opener nicely balanced

Mumbai recovered from early shocks and a stuttering middle phase to post a competitive 154/6 against Bengaluru in the opening match of WPL 2026 in Navi Mumbai, a total shaped by a strong finish rather than a smooth start.

Asked to bat first, MI struggled for momentum in the powerplay, managing just 34 runs and losing Kerr early, before Nat Sciver-Brunt And Harmanpreet Kaur fell in quick succession, sending them searching for stability. That stability was achieved through a measured reconstruction led by Kamalini, followed by a decisive acceleration of Nicola Carey And Sajeevan Sajanawhose fifth-wicket partnership changed the pace of the innings.

Carey played the anchor with a controlled 40 off 29 balls while Sajana provided the spark, attacking the spinners and pace to race to 45 off just 25 deliveries, including seven boundaries and a six. The last five overs yielded 54 runs, allowing MI to go past the 150-run mark despite losing wickets late. However, RCB’s bowlers ensured that the damage was limited Nadine de Klerk emerged as the highlight by taking four wickets for 26, striking repeatedly just as MI threatened to break away. Bell was impressive with the new ball, conceding just 14 runs in her four overs and setting the tone early, while Shreyanka Patil made a crucial breakthrough.

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This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.