The Women’s Premier League has grown rapidly since its inception, redefining the landscape of women’s cricket in India. While its influence has already been felt through deeper talent pools and a historic World Cup triumph, one milestone had remained untouched — a maiden century in the tournament. That wait finally ended in Vadodara, delivered by a batter known for precision, composure, and quiet dominance.
Nat Sciver-Brunt produced a masterclass under lights, guiding Mumbai Indians Women to a commanding total with an innings built on patience and ruthless acceleration. The early overs offered little freedom, with the new ball gripping just enough to keep scoring in check. Rather than forcing the pace, Sciver-Brunt absorbed pressure and trusted the conditions to ease.
Once settled, the tempo changed decisively. Targeting the shorter boundary with calculated intent, she dismantled both pace and spin using placement over power. Length balls were nudged into gaps, fuller deliveries were punished square, and anything drifting onto her pads disappeared into the leg side. The control she displayed allowed Mumbai to move seamlessly from consolidation into dominance.
As the innings progressed, resistance from the bowling side tightened lines and protected boundaries, but the momentum had already shifted. The century, when it arrived, felt inevitable rather than dramatic — a reflection of how complete the innings had been. The celebration was understated, personal, and symbolic, marking a long-awaited chapter for the league.
Her knock did more than boost the scoreboard. It offered a blueprint for T20 batting — clarity over chaos, awareness over impulse. Even the opposition acknowledged the quality on display, recognising an innings that rose above execution plans and match-ups.
For a league that has steadily built its identity, this moment felt like a natural progression rather than a sudden breakthrough. Records, after all, tend to fall when the foundations are strong.
Brief Score :
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women 184/9 in 20 overs
Mumbai Indians Women 199/4 in 20 overs : Nat Sciver-Brunt 100* (57)
Result: Mumbai Indians Women won by 15 runs
