Star all-rounder breaks century drought in crucial Mumbai win
History was made in the Women's Premier League (WPL) on Monday as the Mumbai Indians (MI) secured a vital victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The spotlight belonged entirely to star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, who finally ended a long wait to record the first-ever century of the tournament's history.
Mumbai Indians posted a formidable total of 199 for 4, the highest score at this venue for the 2026 season. This massive target proved too much for RCB, despite a valiant fighting effort from wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh. The win has shuffled the points table significantly, pushing Mumbai Indians up to the second spot while dealing a blow to RCB, who have now lost two consecutive matches after a five-game winning streak.
Sciver-Brunt Ends the Drought
It had been 1,059 days and 82 matches since the league began, but the century drought is finally over. Although the pitch conditions in Vadodara remained slow, Nat Sciver-Brunt mastered the surface. After a cautious start, she switched gears brilliantly after the powerplay.
Partnering with Hayley Matthews, she dismantled the RCB bowling attack. The duo raced from a 50 to 100-run partnership in just 21 balls. Sciver-Brunt finished unbeaten on 100, displaying unparalleled placement and power. Her innings included smacking spinners for consecutive boundaries and clearing the ropes with ease. Matthews also contributed a solid 56 to set the stage.
RCB Top Order Collapses
Chasing 200, RCB faced an immediate disaster. Hayley Matthews returned with the ball to wreck the Bengaluru top order. Her off-spin dismissed the dangerous Smriti Mandhana early, and wickets continued to tumble. RCB found themselves reeling at a hopeless 35 for 5 within the powerplay, with their big guns back in the pavilion.
Richa Ghosh Wages Lone Battle
Just when the match seemed completely one-sided, Richa Ghosh produced a stunning counter-attack. Blasting a 50-ball 90, she refused to go down without a fight. Ghosh was particularly severe on Amelia Kerr and the death bowlers, hitting towering sixes that kept a glimmer of hope alive.
However, the target was simply too steep. Lacking support from the other end, Ghosh’s heroic knock ended in the final over, leaving RCB 15 runs short of the target.
Image Courtesy: BCCI, ESPN Cricinfo
