Nat Sciver-Brunt produced a night for the history books at the Women’s Premier League, smashing the first century in WPL history to headline Mumbai Indians’ thrilling 15-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday.
With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the defending champions delivered when it mattered most — led by a landmark 100 not out off 57 balls from Sciver-Brunt, an innings that instantly became one of the defining moments of the league.
Mumbai posted a commanding 199 for 4, built around a brutal second-wicket stand between Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews. The pair added 131 runs in just 73 balls, combining power with precision to rip the RCB attack apart. Matthews struck 56 off 39 deliveries, but the night belonged to Sciver-Brunt,
who peppered the boundary with 16 fours and a six, reaching three figures without ever losing control.
The milestone was historic — the first time a batter has reached a century in the WPL’s four-season history — and it came on the biggest stage, with Mumbai under pressure to win.
RCB’s reply unravelled early as Mumbai’s bowlers ran riot inside the powerplay. At 35 for 5, the chase looked dead and buried, with Matthews (3/10) and Shabnim Ismail (2/25) carving through the top order.
But Richa Ghosh had other ideas.
The wicketkeeper launched a sensational counterattack, hammering 90 off 50 balls with 10 fours and six sixes, dragging RCB back into contention and igniting the contest late. She plundered 43 runs across the final two overs, briefly threatening to pull off an extraordinary comeback.
Mumbai, though, kept their composure. With partners running out at the other end, Ghosh’s charge ultimately fell short as RCB finished on 184 for 9.
The victory lifts Mumbai Indians to second on the table, keeping their title defence alive. Yet beyond the points and permutations, the night will be remembered for one defining image: Nat Sciver-Brunt raising her bat after rewriting WPL history.
