Nat Sciver-Brunt Creates History with Maiden WPL Century in Vadodara
In a landmark moment for women's cricket, England's Nat Sciver-Brunt etched her name into the record books by becoming the first-ever centurion in the history of the Women's Premier League (WPL). The 33-year-old all-rounder delivered a sensational, unbeaten knock of 100 runs from just 57 balls, steering the Mumbai Indians (MI) to a commanding total and ultimately a crucial 15-run victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Vadodara on Monday.
A Masterclass in Batting Dominance
Walking in at the fall of an early wicket, Sciver-Brunt seized control of the innings with immediate authority. Her innings was a breathtaking display of power and precision, featuring 16 boundaries and one towering six. She raced to her half-century in a mere 32 deliveries before accelerating further to complete a magnificent, historic hundred. This innings not only anchored MI's formidable score of 199 for 4 but also showcased her status as one of the premier all-rounders in the global game.
Hayley Matthews Shines with All-Round Brilliance
The foundation for Mumbai's imposing total was built on a dominant 131-run partnership between Sciver-Brunt and the West Indian star, Hayley Matthews. Matthews contributed a vital 56 runs from 39 balls, striking nine fours. Her presence at the crease visibly bolstered the team's confidence, allowing the innings to gather explosive momentum, particularly after the 10th over. Together, the duo tore apart an RCB bowling attack widely regarded as one of the strongest in the tournament.
Matthews then switched roles with equal brilliance during the defense. Opening the bowling, she produced a match-winning spell, claiming three crucial wickets for just 10 runs. In tandem with the fiery pace of Shabnim Ismail, who took two wickets for 25 runs, Matthews dismantled RCB's top order, leaving them reeling at a precarious 31 for 4 within the first 4.1 overs of their chase.
Richa Ghosh's Valiant Lone Fight Falls Short
Despite the early collapse, RCB found a glimmer of hope through a spectacular counter-attack from wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh. Playing a valiant lone hand, Ghosh smashed a belligerent 90 not out from just 50 deliveries, an innings studded with 10 fours and six sixes. Her fearless batting brought the equation down to a tantalizing 32 runs required from the final over, injecting late drama into the contest. However, her heroic effort ultimately proved insufficient to carry RCB across the finish line, as they ended their innings at 184 for 8.
Turning the Tide for the Defending Champions
This victory provided much-needed relief for the defending champions, Mumbai Indians. It snapped a disappointing three-match losing streak that had threatened their campaign. Conversely, for RCB, the defeat marked a second consecutive loss, halting the momentum from their blistering start to the tournament, which had seen them secure five straight wins.
The match in Vadodara will be remembered as a historic occasion, defined by Nat Sciver-Brunt's record-breaking century and a thrilling contest that underscored the growing quality and excitement of the Women's Premier League.
Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 199/4 (Nat Sciver-Brunt 100*, Hayley Matthews 56) beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru 184/8 (Richa Ghosh 90*, Hayley Matthews 3/10) by 15 runs.
