Sciver-Brunt Makes WPL History as Mumbai Hold Off Bengaluru

Nat Sciver-Brunt etched her name into Women’s Premier League history on Monday night, becoming the first player to score a century in the competition as Mumbai Indians sealed a gripping 15-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The England captain produced a masterclass in power and placement, finishing unbeaten on 100 from 57 deliveries in an innings studded with 16 fours and a six. Her knock propelled Mumbai to a formidable 199 for 4 at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium, a total that ultimately proved just beyond Bengaluru’s reach.

Sciver-Brunt found able support earlier from Hayley Matthews, who struck a fluent 56, while RCB’s England seamer Lauren Bell returned respectable figures of 2 for 21 in an otherwise punishing evening for the bowlers.

Chasing 200, Bengaluru refused to go quietly. Richa Ghosh played a sensational counter-attacking innings, smashing 90 from 50 balls to keep the contest alive deep into the final overs. However, Mumbai held their nerve at the death, with Matthews once again making a decisive impact by claiming 3 for 10 to derail the chase. RCB eventually closed on 184 for 9.

Sciver-Brunt’s century surpassed the previous highest individual scores in WPL history — 99 not out by Georgia Voll and 99 by Sophie Devine — marking a landmark moment for the tournament.

“It was a special moment to reach that milestone,” said the 33-year-old after the match. “But more importantly, it was about putting runs on the board for the team. I was just reacting to what the bowlers gave me. Tactically, you know some bowlers suit you more than others.”

One of the league’s marquee names, Sciver-Brunt has been with Mumbai Indians since the inaugural WPL season in 2023 and is among the competition’s highest-paid players, earning in the region of £320,000–£330,000.

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