Nat Sciver-Brunt Enters WPL Record Books With Historic Century
The Women's Premier League witnessed a landmark moment on January 26, 2026, as Nat Sciver-Brunt of Mumbai Indians became the first-ever player to score a century in the tournament's history. This historic achievement occurred during Match 16 against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara.
A Spectacular Innings of Power and Precision
Sciver-Brunt's monumental knock came in just 57 deliveries, showcasing exceptional batting prowess. Her innings was decorated with:
- 16 boundaries (fours)
- 1 maximum (six)
This dominant performance not only propelled Mumbai Indians to a competitive total but also ensured her name will be permanently etched in WPL annals as the pioneer centurion.
Team Context and Match Dynamics
The English all-rounder received valuable support from teammate Hayley Matthews, who contributed 56 runs to their partnership. Earlier in the match, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field first.
Mumbai Indians made one strategic change to their lineup, with Amelia Kerr returning to the playing XI in place of the injured Nicola Carey. Meanwhile, table-toppers Royal Challengers Bangalore fielded an unchanged side.
Tournament Standings and Playoff Implications
This historic century comes at a crucial juncture for the two-time champions Mumbai Indians, who have been struggling this season. Their current situation includes:
- Only 2 wins from 6 matches (4 points)
- Three consecutive losses in recent games
- A net run rate of +0.046
To keep their playoff hopes alive, MI must win both remaining matches against RCB and Gujarat Giants. The possible scenarios are:
- Losing both matches would eliminate them from contention
- Winning one and losing one would take them to 6 points, requiring favorable results from other matches to challenge for third place
Royal Challengers Bangalore's Dominant Position
In contrast to Mumbai's struggles, Royal Challengers Bangalore are enjoying a dominant season:
- Top of the points table with 10 points from 6 games
- Already qualified for the playoffs
- One more victory in their remaining two fixtures would secure direct entry to the Final
According to WPL rules, the table-topper qualifies directly for the championship match, while the second and third-placed teams compete in an Eliminator for the remaining spot in the Final.
Sciver-Brunt's historic century not only marks a personal milestone but also adds a significant chapter to the growing legacy of the Women's Premier League, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness and skill level in women's franchise cricket.
