Nat Sciver-Brunt Makes WPL History with Unbeaten Century, Deliberately Avoids 90s Dismissal
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt etched her name in the Women's Premier League record books on Monday, becoming the first cricketer to score a century across four editions of the tournament. Her magnificent innings powered Mumbai Indians to a crucial victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Vadodara.
A Masterclass in Batting: 100 Not Out Off 57 Balls
Sciver-Brunt's knock was nothing short of spectacular. She struck 16 fours and one six to compile exactly 100 not out off only 57 deliveries, propelling Mumbai Indians to a formidable total of 199 for four. This innings was particularly significant as it came during what she described as "pretty much knockout games" for her team.
Conscious Effort to Avoid the Nervous Nineties
In her post-match comments, Sciver-Brunt revealed a specific mindset that guided her through the innings. "I've seen a few players get out in the 90s, so I didn't want to replicate that," she told the broadcaster. "But I also wanted to get as many runs for the team." This conscious decision helped her join an elite club, as she became the first to convert a start into a triple-figure score in WPL history.
Her achievement stands in contrast to several notable near-misses in the league's past:
- Georgia Voll and Sophie Devine both remained unbeaten on 99
- Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Smriti Mandhana were all dismissed on 96
Partnership and Preparation Key to Success
The century was built on a solid foundation of partnership and preparation. Sciver-Brunt added 131 runs for the second wicket with Hayley Matthews, describing the collaboration as "massive for the team." She credited her consistent approach for the breakthrough performance.
"I'm just really happy with how it turned out," Sciver-Brunt said. "I guess it's about preparing in the same way and mentally trying to turn up in the same place each time. Today I was just reacting to the balls that were bowled and playing according to the field."
Mumbai Indians Secure Vital Victory
The total proved sufficient despite a valiant chase from Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Richa Ghosh's blistering 90 off 50 balls (10 fours, 6 sixes). Mumbai Indians eventually won by 15 runs, moving to second place in the points table and reviving their campaign for the playoffs.
Team Spirit and Leadership Praise
Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur commended the team's collective effort and camaraderie. "This is our fourth year playing together, we know each other very well," she said. "That's something special about MI, whenever the team is challenged, someone always steps up."
Kaur highlighted how a recent break helped the team refocus: "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."
For Sciver-Brunt, this century marked her first in T20 cricket, and she expressed hope that it wouldn't be her last. "I guess a first T20 century for me, so happy to get over that milestone and hopefully it's not the last," she added, looking ahead to more contributions in the tournament's crucial stages.
