In a historic moment for the Women's Premier League (WPL), Nat Sciver-Brunt etched her name in the record books by slamming the league's first-ever century. The England all-rounder’s brilliant knock powered the Mumbai Indians (MI) to a 15-run victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, in Vadodara on Monday.
The defending champions, MI, needing a win to stay in contention for a playoff spot, showcased a near-perfect batting display, posting a formidable 199 for four. Sciver-Brunt's unbeaten 100 off 57 balls was the centerpiece of the innings, embellished with 16 boundaries and a six.
After 1059 days and 82 matches, the WPL finally witnessed its first centurion, and it was achieved by England all-rounder Sciver-Brunt, who also registered her maiden T20 hundred. Walking in early, she absorbed the pressure before shifting gears with sublime strokeplay and sizzling timing to dismantle the RCB attack in an unbeaten 57-ball century laced with 16 fours and a six.
Sciver-Brunt found an able partner in Hayley Matthews, who contributed a vital 56 off 39 deliveries. Together, they constructed a 131-run partnership, propelling Mumbai Indians past the previous highest total at the venue this season. Matthews also made an impact with the ball, dismissing RCB captain Smriti Mandhana (6) and Georgia Voll (9) in the same over. She later added Radha Yadav (0) to her list of victims.
Despite losing five wickets for just 35 runs early in their chase, RCB mounted a spirited fightback, largely due to Richa Ghosh's explosive innings. Ghosh blazed her way to 90 off 50 balls, smashing 10 fours and six sixes. However, the early wickets proved too costly, and RCB ultimately fell short, finishing at 184 for 9. Shabnim Ismail took two wickets for 25 runs, including the crucial wicket of Gautami Naik.
Mumbai's victory was crucial, lifting them to second place in the WPL standings with six points from seven games. RCB, despite the loss, remain the league leaders but have now suffered successive defeats after starting the season with five consecutive wins. The win has ensured the defending champions remain in contention for this year's play-offs while league leaders RCB continue to wait to confirm their place in the final.
The rivalry between MI and RCB has been intense, with MI now holding a 4-3 head-to-head advantage. RCB had famously knocked Mumbai out of the eliminator in 2024 before claiming their maiden WPL title.
With the WPL season progressing, all eyes will be on Mumbai Indians to see if they can maintain their momentum and defend their title after this morale-boosting victory. Nat Sciver-Brunt's historic century will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for her team and women cricketers worldwide.
