Richa's heroics in vain as Sciver-Brunt's special night keeps MI alive in WPL 2026
India Today
Nat Sciver-Brunt became the first player to score a century in the Women's Premier League. Her innings propelled Mumbai Indians to a commanding 50-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Richa Ghosh produced a breathtaking display in Vadodara, hammering a sensational 90 off 50 balls, but her heroics ultimately went in vain as Mumbai Indians edged Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 15 runs to stay alive in the WPL 2026 playoffs race. Chasing a daunting target of 200, RCB found hope through Richa’s fearless strokeplay, as she counter-attacked with power and poise to keep the contest alive deep into the innings.
Earlier, Nat Sciver-Brunt turned Monday night into a personal landmark and a defining moment for MI. The England all-rounder scripted history by becoming the first batter to score a century in the Women’s Premier League, anchoring MI to a commanding total and powering a crucial victory that lifted the two-time champions from fourth to second on the points table.
RCB vs MI, WPL 2026 Updates
The loss leaves RCB under mounting pressure. Smriti Mandhana’s side now face a must-win final league match against UP Warriorz to secure a direct path to the playoffs, while MI march on with renewed belief and momentum.
Back to winning ways!Defending champions @mipaltan clinch an entertaining contest and jump to 2nd spot on the points tableScorecard https://t.co/yUHXkzVIZw #TATAWPL | #KhelEmotionKa | #RCBvMI pic.twitter.com/6PUhD291CY— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 26, 2026
Sent in to bat, Mumbai’s innings began in measured fashion, yielding just 38 runs in the powerplay. The early loss of Sajeevan Sajana to Lauren Bell briefly tilted momentum RCB’s way, but it also set the stage for a decisive partnership. Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews absorbed the pressure, rebuilt calmly and then took control with clinical precision.
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