Nat Sciver-Brunt Makes WPL History with Milestone Century in Vadodara
In a remarkable display of batting prowess, England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt created Women's Premier League history on Monday by becoming the first cricketer to score a century across four different editions of the tournament. The Mumbai Indians star achieved this landmark during a crucial match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Vadodara, where she remained unbeaten on exactly 100 runs from just 57 deliveries.
Conscious Effort to Avoid Nervous Nineties
Speaking after her historic innings, Sciver-Brunt revealed a specific mental approach that guided her through the challenging phase of the 90s. "I've seen a few players get out in the 90s, so I didn't want to replicate that," she told broadcasters. "But I also wanted to get as many runs for the team. It's obviously a special moment to reach that milestone, but more importantly, it was about getting runs on the board for the team."
Her century powered Mumbai Indians to a formidable total of 199 for four, featuring 16 boundaries and one maximum. The innings proved particularly significant as Mumbai later survived a fierce challenge from India's Richa Ghosh, who smashed 90 runs off 50 balls with 10 fours and 6 sixes, ultimately securing a 15-run victory.
Breaking the 90s Curse in Women's Cricket
Sciver-Brunt's achievement stands in contrast to several prominent players who have fallen short of the century mark in recent WPL history. The tournament has witnessed multiple instances of batters getting dismissed in what cricket enthusiasts call the "nervous nineties":
- Georgia Voll and Sophie Devine both remained unbeaten on 99 runs in previous matches
- Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Smriti Mandhana all scored 96 not out in different games
- Several other players have been dismissed in the 90s throughout tournament history
"These last two games are pretty much knockout games for us, so to be able to perform like that and to build such a strong partnership with Hayley Matthews was massive for the team," Sciver-Brunt added, referring to their 131-run second-wicket stand that formed the backbone of Mumbai's innings.
Preparation and Mindset Behind the Milestone
The England all-rounder credited her consistent preparation and mental approach for achieving this historic feat. "I'm just really happy with how it turned out. I guess it's about preparing in the same way and mentally trying to turn up in the same place each time," she explained.
Sciver-Brunt elaborated on her batting strategy: "Today I was just reacting to the balls that were bowled and playing according to the field. Sticking to my strengths, backing the shots I like to play, and manoeuvring the field when possible, that was the plan. I guess a first T20 century for me, so happy to get over that milestone and hopefully it's not the last."
Team Spirit and Mumbai Indians' Revival
Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team's collective effort and camaraderie that contributed to their resurgence in the tournament. The victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru propelled the defending champions to second position in the points table, strengthening their playoff prospects.
"This is our fourth year playing together, we know each other very well," Harmanpreet said. "That's something special about MI, whenever the team is challenged, someone always steps up. Today was one of those days where everyone wanted to give their best for the team, and it showed."
The captain highlighted how strategic breaks and team bonding sessions helped revitalize their campaign: "That small break we had really helped us. We sat together, had good bonding sessions, and spoke about how to approach these last two games."
Sciver-Brunt's historic century not only marked a personal milestone but also demonstrated the growing competitiveness and skill level in women's T20 cricket, particularly in the Women's Premier League where records continue to be rewritten with each passing season.
