Vadodara, (UNI) Nat Sciver-Brunt capped a landmark evening with a historic century and an all-round impact as Mumbai Indians Women defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women by 15 runs in a must-win match of the Women’s Premier League 2026 at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, on Monday.
Sciver-Brunt became the first batswoman to score a hundred in WPL history, reaching the milestone in the penultimate over and acknowledging the applause with her helmet raised. Her innings was the centrepiece of Mumbai’s commanding 199 for 4 after RCB-W opted to bowl.
Mumbai built steadily through the powerplay before Sciver-Brunt took control in the middle overs, repeatedly finding the boundary with sweeps, lofted drives and inventive placement. Hayley Matthews provided ideal support with a fluent 56, the pair accelerating decisively to put the Bengaluru bowlers under sustained pressure. Late contributions, including a brisk cameo from Harmanpreet Kaur, ensured a daunting target.
The chase began disastrously for RCB-W. Shabnim Ismail struck early to remove Grace Harris, while Hayley Matthews ran through the top order, dismissing Smriti Mandhana, Georgia Voll and Radha Yadav. RCB-W slumped to 35 for 5 inside the powerplay, staring at a heavy defeat.
Wicketkeeper-batswoman Richa Ghosh then produced one of the finest counter-attacking knocks of the season. Batting with remarkable freedom, she smashed 90 off 50 balls, peppering the boundary with clean strikes down the ground and through the off side. Nadine de Klerk supported her with a lively 28, and the pair briefly revived RCB-W’s hopes with an aggressive stand.
Mumbai, however, kept their composure. Amelia Kerr broke the key partnership by having de Klerk caught by Sciver-Brunt at deep mid-wicket, before returning at the death to dismiss Ghosh for a valiant 90, sealing the contest. RCB-W finished on 184 for 9 despite a late flourish that yielded 27 runs in the 19th over.
For Mumbai, Matthews was outstanding with the ball, claiming 3 for 10, while Kerr and Ismail picked up two wickets each. Sciver-Brunt also contributed with a crucial catch and tidy overs to maintain pressure during the chase.
The victory underlined Mumbai Indians Women’s strong position in WPL 2026, with Sciver-Brunt’s trailblazing century standing as the defining moment of a high-quality contest.
