WPL History Made: Nat Sciver-Brunt’s Historic Century That Changed Women’s Cricket Forever

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) was created with a powerful dream — to give women’s cricket the stage, respect, and recognition it truly deserves. In a short span of time, the league has already delivered unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and inspiring performances. But every great league has one defining moment that lifts it into history.

That moment arrived when Mumbai Indians’ star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt smashed the first-ever century in WPL history.

An unbeaten 100 runs off just 57 balls, played with elegance, power, and calm confidence, not only led Mumbai Indians to a thrilling win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) but also rewrote the story of women’s T20 cricket in India.

This was not just a century.
This was a statement.
A message to the world that women’s cricket has arrived — and it is here to stay.

The Rise of the Women’s Premier League

Before understanding the magnitude of this moment, it’s important to understand the journey of the WPL itself.

For decades, women’s cricket fought for visibility. While talent was always present, opportunities were limited. Matches were fewer, pay was unequal, and recognition was scarce. Yet, women cricketers continued to play with passion, often without the spotlight they deserved.

The launch of the Women’s Premier League by the BCCI changed everything.

Inspired by the success of the IPL, the WPL gave women cricketers:

• Big crowds

• Global viewership

• Professional contracts

• Prime-time matches

• And most importantly, respect

Teams like Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants brought together the best talent from around the world. The league quickly became a platform where dreams could turn into reality.

And then came the innings that would define an era.

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The Match That Entered History

The clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru was already a highly anticipated contest. Both teams carried strong fan bases, star players, and a hunger to dominate the league.

RCB had posted a competitive total, putting pressure on Mumbai’s batting lineup. The pitch looked good for batting, but T20 cricket is unpredictable — especially under pressure.

When Mumbai Indians began their chase, all eyes were on one player.

Nat Sciver-Brunt.

From the very first ball, she looked composed. There was no rush, no panic. Just pure focus.

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Nat Sciver-Brunt: A Champion’s Mindset

Nat Sciver-Brunt is not just a cricketer; she is the definition of consistency, discipline, and class. Representing England at the international level, she has built a reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in women’s cricket.

But this innings was special — even by her high standards.

She did not come out swinging blindly. Instead, she:

• Read the field intelligently

• Respected the good deliveries

• Punished every loose ball

• Rotated strike effortlessly

• And accelerated exactly when her team needed it

Her batting was a masterclass in controlled aggression.

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The Century That Broke Barriers

As the scoreboard ticked forward, the crowd began to sense something special. Fifty came up smoothly. But Nat Sciver-Brunt didn’t slow down.

She shifted gears.

Boundaries started flowing — elegant drives through cover, powerful pulls over mid-wicket, delicate placements past point. Every shot carried confidence.

Then came the moment.

A shot that raced to the boundary.
The crowd rose.
Teammates applauded.
History was made.

Nat Sciver-Brunt became the first player to score a century in the Women’s Premier League.

100 runs.
57 balls.
Not out.

This was not just personal glory. This was a milestone for every woman who dreams of playing cricket.

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Why This Century Matters So Much

This century holds deep importance for several reasons:

1. First-Ever WPL Century

Records define leagues, and being the first always carries extra weight. Years from now, when people talk about WPL history, this innings will always be mentioned.

2. Against a Strong Opponent

Scoring a century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru — a team filled with international stars — made the achievement even more special.

3. Under Pressure

This was not a meaningless knock. It came in a chase, under match pressure, where every run mattered.

4. Inspiration for Young Girls

Young girls watching this match didn’t just see a batter score runs. They saw belief, courage, and possibility.

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Mumbai Indians: A Team Built for Champions

Mumbai Indians have always been known for building strong teams — whether in men’s or women’s cricket.

In the WPL, MI focused on:

• Balance

• Leadership

• Match-winners

• And team culture

Nat Sciver-Brunt’s innings was a reflection of that culture.

The support from her teammates, the calm leadership, and the confidence in her ability allowed her to play freely. Cricket is a team sport, and this century was also a victory for the Mumbai Indians’ vision.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru: A Tough Challenge

While RCB ended up on the losing side, their role in this historic match cannot be ignored.

They fought hard, tried different bowling options, and never gave up. Sometimes, even the best plans fail against greatness.

And that’s okay.

Because sport is not only about winning — it’s also about being part of history.

RCB became the team against whom the first WPL century was scored, and that moment will forever be remembered.

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Changing the Narrative of Women’s Cricket

For a long time, people questioned whether women’s cricket could attract crowds, generate excitement, or produce iconic moments.

Nat Sciver-Brunt answered all those questions in one innings.

This century proved:

• Women’s cricket is entertaining

• Women can dominate T20 formats

• Records are meant to be broken

• And audiences are ready to embrace women’s sports

Social media exploded with praise. Fans, former players, and cricket experts celebrated the moment. Headlines around the world highlighted the achievement.

Women’s cricket wasn’t asking for attention anymore — it commanded it.

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A Win Beyond the Scoreboard

Mumbai Indians won the match. But this was a victory beyond points and rankings.

It was a win for:

• Equality in sports

• Representation

• Opportunity

• And belief

Young girls in small towns, watching on television or mobile screens, saw someone like Nat Sciver-Brunt dominate a global stage. That image will stay with them forever.

It tells them:

“Your dreams are valid.”

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What This Means for the Future of WPL

This historic century has raised expectations — in the best possible way.

In the coming seasons, we can expect:

• More centuries

• More competitive matches

• More global stars

• Bigger crowds

• Higher standards

The WPL is no longer just a new league. It is a powerful movement shaping the future of women’s cricket.

And Nat Sciver-Brunt’s name will always be written at the beginning of that story.

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Nat Sciver-Brunt: More Than a Cricketer

Beyond runs and records, Nat Sciver-Brunt represents professionalism, humility, and dedication. Her calm celebration after reaching the century showed that this was not about ego — it was about the team and the moment.

She played for:

• Her team

• The league

• And the future generation

That is what makes champions truly great.