Batting all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt created history in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) by scoring the first-ever century, guiding Mumbai Indians to a strong 199/4 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi in Vadodara. After 1059 days and 82 matches, Sciver-Brunt achieved this milestone, also marking her first T20 hundred, with a brilliant unbeaten 57-ball century comprising 16 fours and a six. Partnered with Hayley Matthews, who scored 56 off 39 balls, they formed a formidable 131-run partnership, surpassing the previous highest total at the venue this season.
RCB’s bowlers faced a tough challenge, with only Lauren Bell managing control by taking 2-21 in her four overs. The rest of the bowlers struggled with their lengths, allowing MI’s batters to dominate. Despite the dew factor, RCB faces a daunting task in their chase, needing an exceptional performance with the bat to reach the target. Sajeevan Sajana and Sciver-Brunt built a solid partnership after an early wicket, with Sciver-Brunt’s fluent strokeplay and Hayley’s acceleration propelling MI past the 100-run mark in the 12th over.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a quick 20 off 12 balls, including two fours and a six, before being dismissed. Amanjot Kaur played a brief role, but the spotlight remained on Sciver-Brunt, who dominated the RCB attack throughout. Sciver-Brunt’s aggressive batting led her to a maiden T20 hundred, the first in WPL history, finishing unbeaten on 100 off 57 balls as MI set a season-high total of 199/4.
