Sciver-Brunt’s ton helps MI hand RCB their 2nd defeat in WPL 2026
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 has been a thrilling ride so far, with teams showcasing their skills and determination on the field. In the 16th match of the tournament, Mumbai Indians (MI) took on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Vadodara on Monday. The match was a highly anticipated one, with both teams looking to gain an upper hand in the points table. In the end, it was MI who emerged victorious, defeating RCB by 15 runs and handing them their second defeat of the season.
MI, who were put into bat by RCB, got off to a solid start. The opening pair of Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews laid the foundation for a big score, with Bhatia scoring 24 off 17 balls and Matthews contributing 21 off 15 deliveries. However, it was Nat Sciver-Brunt who stole the show with her incredible batting display. The English all-rounder scored an unbeaten 100 off just 57 balls, hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes in the process. Her innings was a masterclass, with Sciver-Brunt showcasing her power, precision, and technique.
Thanks to Sciver-Brunt’s ton, MI posted a competitive total of 199-4 in their 20 overs. The team’s batting display was a testament to their strength and depth, with several players making valuable contributions. RCB, on the other hand, would have been aware of the challenge that lay ahead of them. Chasing a target of 200 is never easy, and RCB would have needed to be at their best to overhaul MI’s total.
RCB’s innings got off to a disastrous start, with the team losing two wickets in the first over itself. Matthews, who had contributed with the bat earlier, struck twice in the first over, dismissing RCB’s openers and putting the team on the back foot. RCB’s middle order tried to revive the innings, but the damage had already been done. The team’s batting display was patchy, with several players getting starts but failing to convert them into big scores.
In the end, RCB were restricted to 184-9 in their 20 overs, falling short of MI’s total by 15 runs. Matthews was the pick of the bowlers for MI, claiming three wickets for 23 runs in her four overs. The West Indian all-rounder was a thorn in RCB’s flesh throughout the innings, using her variations and guile to outfox the opposition batsmen.
The win was MI’s third of the season, and it has propelled them to the top of the points table. RCB, on the other hand, have suffered their second defeat of the tournament. The team will need to regroup and come back stronger in their next match, as they look to get their campaign back on track.
The WPL 2026 has been a resounding success so far, with the tournament attracting a large following and showcasing the best of women’s cricket. The standard of cricket has been high, with teams competing fiercely and players producing outstanding performances. As the tournament enters its final stages, fans can expect more thrilling matches and intense competition.
In conclusion, MI’s win over RCB was a thrilling encounter that showcased the best of women’s cricket. Sciver-Brunt’s ton was the highlight of the match, and it will be remembered for a long time to come. The WPL 2026 has been a fantastic tournament so far, and it continues to entertain and inspire fans around the world.
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