Nat Sciver-Brunt Creates History with First-Ever WPL Century as Mumbai Indians Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

In a moment that will be remembered for years to come, Nat Sciver-Brunt became the first player to score a century in the Women's Premier League, achieving the historic milestone during Mumbai Indians' must-win clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.

The stadium erupted as the Mumbai Indians vice-captain reached the landmark figure, with legendary pacer Jhulan Goswami celebrating ecstatically in the dugout and Gautami Naik applauding in the backdrop. Sciver-Brunt's unbeaten 100 off just 57 deliveries powered MI to a commanding 199/4, setting up a comfortable 15-run victory that keeps their playoff aspirations firmly alive.

Breaking the Near-Miss Jinx

The WPL had witnessed several heartbreaking near-misses with the century mark, including two this season alone when Smriti Mandhana fell for 96 and Sophie Devine departed on 95. Sciver-Brunt was determined not to join that unfortunate list.

"Yeah, obviously I'd seen a few players get out in the 90s, so I didn't want to replicate that. But I also wanted to get as many runs as possible for the team. I'm really pleased we could get up to that total, and personally really happy as well."

A Rescue Act for the Ages

Mumbai Indians found themselves in early trouble at 16/1 in the third over following yet another opening partnership failure. Enter Sciver-Brunt, who orchestrated a remarkable turnaround that showcased why she is considered the premier batter in the competition.

The Match-Defining Partnerships

The Englishwoman stitched together a massive 131-run stand with Hayley Matthews in just 73 deliveries, a partnership that completely shifted the momentum. She then added a brisk 42 runs off 25 balls alongside skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, ensuring MI posted a formidable total despite a slight slowdown following the dismissal of both set batters.

The Acceleration Masterclass

Sciver-Brunt's innings was a study in controlled aggression:

• First 17 runs: 16 balls
• 17 to 50: Just 16 more balls (32-ball fifty)
• 50 to 100: Another 25 deliveries

This remarkable acceleration left even opposition captain Smriti Mandhana in awe.

"The way she accelerated after 25-30 is something which every youngster should watch and learn."

A Heartfelt Dedication

The milestone carried extra significance for Sciver-Brunt, who celebrated with a distinctive 'T' gesture—a tribute to her wife, former England pacer Katherine Sciver-Brunt, and their infant son Theodore.

"Just a little nod to home. Katherine is obviously watching. Well, hopefully. She's actually a really nervous watcher, so she's probably not watching, but she wanted a 'T' and she wanted me to get three figures. So, here we go. It's my first T20 hundred, so I'm really happy to get over that milestone, and hopefully it's not the last."

Praise from All Quarters

Hayley Matthews' Perspective

Matthews, who had a front-row seat to the historic innings during their 131-run partnership, was effusive in her praise.

"It was definitely nice to watch from the other end when she was going four after four after four. I really do love batting with her. We flow off of each other really well. For her to get the hundred today was quite deserving."

The MI opener also highlighted Sciver-Brunt's remarkable consistency across WPL seasons.

"With all the innings that she's played, not only this year, but over the last four seasons for MI, she's probably been the best batter in this competition. So in my opinion, quite fitting that she was able to get the first one."

Opposition Admiration

Smriti Mandhana, despite the defeat, couldn't help but acknowledge the quality of the innings.

"Nat is definitely a world-class player. She can hit one ball at three different places, which again makes life very difficult. The shots she played were amazing. There were not many answers which we could find out there in the middle."

RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan offered a candid assessment:

"Nat played one of those innings where she was putting away even the good balls. Balls which were on length, on stump, she was able to manipulate it. It was almost like she flicked a switch after the first timeout."

He added graciously:

"To score the first 100 in the WPL, sure, I would have liked Smriti to have got it. But if anybody else deserved to be the first centurion in the WPL, I think Nat certainly was it."

The Numbers Behind the Dominance

Sciver-Brunt's current season statistics are nothing short of extraordinary:

The Englishwoman now holds the Orange Cap with a comfortable 59-run cushion over second-placed Harmanpreet Kaur. This continues her remarkable run from last season when she claimed the Orange Cap with 523 runs and was named the tournament's MVP.

A Legacy of Excellence

With 1,346 runs across WPL seasons, Sciver-Brunt stands as the league's all-time highest run-scorer. She also holds the record for the most individual fifties in the competition—a testament to her unparalleled consistency at the highest level of women's franchise cricket.

Looking Ahead

With this historic century, Sciver-Brunt has not only kept Mumbai Indians' playoff hopes alive but has also set a benchmark for batting excellence in the WPL. Her ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a strike rate near 155 makes her an invaluable asset.

As the business end of the tournament approaches, opposition teams will need to devise new strategies to contain the league's most prolific run-scorer. For now, Sciver-Brunt's name is forever etched in WPL history as the competition's first centurion—a fitting honor for its most consistent performer.