Sciver-Brunt’s ton helps MI hand RCB their 2nd defeat in WPL 2026
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 has been living up to its promise of delivering thrilling matches, and the latest encounter between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was no exception. On Monday, MI defeated RCB by 15 runs in a closely contested match at Vadodara, handing the latter their second defeat of the season. The victory was largely thanks to a stunning century from Nat Sciver-Brunt, who remained unbeaten on 100 off just 57 deliveries.
MI, who won the toss and chose to bat first, got off to a solid start with their openers, Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews, putting on a 45-run partnership. However, RCB’s bowlers soon found their rhythm, and the team began to lose wickets at regular intervals. It was then that Sciver-Brunt took charge, playing a breathtaking innings that included 12 fours and 2 sixes. Her unbeaten 100 helped MI post a competitive total of 199-4 in their 20 overs.
RCB, in reply, got off to a disastrous start, losing their top three batters, including the dangerous Smriti Mandhana, within the first five overs. The team’s middle order, however, showed some resilience, with Kanika Ahuja and Richa Ghosh putting on a 50-run partnership. But MI’s bowlers, particularly Hayley Matthews, who claimed three wickets, kept the pressure on, restricting RCB to 184-9 in their 20 overs.
The defeat was RCB’s second of the season, while MI registered their third win. The victory will be a significant boost to MI’s confidence, and they will look to build on this momentum as the tournament progresses. For RCB, it’s back to the drawing board, as they will need to regroup and reassess their strategy to get their campaign back on track.
The match was a testament to the exciting brand of cricket that the WPL has been showcasing. With its unique blend of experience and youth, the tournament has been providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves. Sciver-Brunt’s century, in particular, was a highlight of the match, and her innings will be remembered as one of the best of the tournament so far.
As the WPL 2026 continues to unfold, fans can expect more thrilling matches and outstanding individual performances. The tournament has already seen some impressive displays of batting, bowling, and fielding, and it will be interesting to see which teams emerge as the strongest contenders for the title.
In the end, MI’s victory over RCB was a well-deserved one, and the team will be thrilled to have secured two crucial points. With the tournament still in its early stages, there is plenty of cricket still to be played, and it will be fascinating to see how the teams adapt and evolve as the competition heats up.
For now, though, MI will bask in the glory of their hard-fought win, and Sciver-Brunt will rightly take the plaudits for her incredible century. The match will be remembered as one of the best of the tournament so far, and it has set the bar high for the rest of the WPL 2026.
Match Details:
- Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 15 runs
- MI posted 199-4 in their 20 overs, with Nat Sciver-Brunt scoring 100*(57)
- RCB were restricted to 184-9 in their 20 overs, with Hayley Matthews claiming three wickets
- The defeat was RCB’s second of the season, while MI registered their third win
About the Author
