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 each team showcasing their skills and determination to win. 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 secure a win and move up 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 won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that proved to be a good one. The team got off to a solid start, with openers Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews providing a strong foundation. However, it was Nat Sciver-Brunt who stole the show, scoring a brilliant century to help MI post a competitive total. Sciver-Brunt’s 100*(57) was a masterclass, with the English cricketer showcasing her skills and experience to take MI to a total of 199-4 in their 20 overs.
The RCB bowlers struggled to contain Sciver-Brunt, who was in top form. She hit 10 fours and 4 sixes during her innings, taking the RCB bowlers to task. The rest of the MI batsmen also chipped in with useful contributions, with Matthews scoring 24 and Bhatia scoring 21. The MI innings was a testament to the team’s batting depth and their ability to post big totals.
RCB, on the other hand, got off to a poor start, losing their opening batsmen early. However, the team fought back, with Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry providing some resistance. Mandhana scored 43, while Perry scored 31, but it was not enough to take RCB to victory. The team was restricted to 184-9 in their 20 overs, with MI’s bowlers doing a great job to contain the RCB batsmen.
Hayley Matthews was the pick of the MI bowlers, claiming three wickets for 23 runs in her four overs. The West Indian cricketer was impressive, using her variations to keep the RCB batsmen guessing. The rest of the MI bowlers also chipped in with useful contributions, with Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr claiming two wickets each.
The win was MI’s third of the season, and it has taken them to the top of the points table. RCB, on the other hand, have suffered their second defeat, and they will need to regroup and come back stronger in their next match. The tournament is still in its early stages, and there is a lot of cricket left to be played. However, MI’s win over RCB has given them a confidence boost, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.
The WPL 2026 has been a great platform for women’s cricket, providing a stage for the world’s best cricketers to showcase their skills. The tournament has been a huge success so far, with each match providing plenty of excitement and entertainment. As the tournament progresses, we can expect more thrilling matches, with each team fighting hard to win and make it to the playoffs.
In conclusion, MI’s win over RCB was a comprehensive one, with the team showcasing their skills and determination to win. Sciver-Brunt’s ton was the highlight of the match, and it helped MI post a competitive total. The team’s bowlers then did a great job to contain the RCB batsmen, restricting them to 184-9 and securing a 15-run win. The match was a great advertisement for women’s cricket, and it has set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
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