England, Jan 27 : In a historic night for the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 15 runs, powered by Nat Sciver Brunt’s record breaking century the first in WPL history.
The England all rounder delivered an unbeaten 100* off 57 balls, hitting 16 fours and a six, guiding MI to a formidable 199/4 after a 131-run partnership for the second wicket with Hayley Matthews, who contributed 56 off 39 balls. MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur also added crucial quick runs with a 12 off 20 balls.
Sciver-Brunt’s century propelled her to the top of the season’s run charts with 319 runs in six innings at an average of 79.75, including three fifties. She now holds the distinction of being the first batter to score 300+ runs in three separate WPL editions, with a total of 1,346 runs in 35 matches at an average of 51.76, along with 11 fifties and a century the most fifty-plus scores in league history.
RCB’s chase was led by Richa Ghosh, who remained unbeaten on 90 off 50 balls, but the effort fell short as MI’s bowlers, led by Lauren Bell (2/21), defended the total to secure a 15 run victory.
With this win, MI not only handed RCB their second defeat of the season but also witnessed Sciver-Brunt cement her legacy as the most decorated batter in WPL history, adding to her two league titles and Player of the Tournament award.
Key highlights:
First-ever WPL century scored by Nat Sciver-Brunt.
MI posts 199/4; RCB falls short by 15 runs.
Sciver-Brunt tops current season run charts with 319 runs.
Partnership records: Sciver Brunt involved in most 100+ stands (5) in WPL.
This landmark performance reinforces Sciver-Brunt’s status as a pivotal player in the league and showcases MI’s formidable batting depth this season.