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NEW DELHI: Nat Sciver-Brunt (100 not out) smashed the first-ever century in Women’s Premier League history, in its fourth edition, as defending champions Mumbai Indians edged past Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 15 runs, despite a breathtaking 90 from Richa Ghosh, on Monday.

In a must-win encounter to stay alive in the playoff race, Mumbai Indians delivered a near-flawless batting display, racking up an imposing 199 for four and putting RCB under immediate pressure.

Richa’s lone battle

However, after being reduced to 35 for five inside the powerplay, RCB found an unlikely saviour in Richa, who single-handedly dragged her side back into the contest. The wicketkeeper-batter blazed her way to 90 off just 50 balls, smashing 10 fours and six sixes as MI’s bowlers struggled to contain her.

RCB plundered 43 runs off the final two overs, with India all-rounder Amanjot Kaur conceding three consecutive sixes to a rampaging Richa late in the innings.

Matthews leads with bat and ball

Hayley Matthews (56 and 3/10) played a decisive all-round role. Earlier, she had provided Mumbai with key breakthroughs, dismissing Smriti Mandhana (6) and Georgia Voll (9) in the fourth over before removing Radha Yadav (0) in her next.

Shabnim Ismail (2/25) set the tone early by getting rid of Grace Harris (15), later castling Gautami Naik (1) and taking a sharp catch in the deep to aid Matthews in sending Radha back.

With the victory, Mumbai climbed to second place with six points from seven matches. Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants also sit on six points from six games each, but Mumbai hold the edge on net run rate.

Sciver-Brunt’s record-breaking knock

Earlier, Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 100 lit up the evening as Mumbai posted their towering total of 199 for four. Her 57-ball ton, combined with Matthews’ fluent 56, laid the foundation for the big score.

The duo stitched together a rapid 131-run stand off just 73 balls for the second wicket, rotating strike effortlessly and punishing anything loose.

Matthews struck nine fours in her 39-ball knock, while Sciver-Brunt was relentless, hammering 16 fours and a six in an innings that redefined WPL history.

They came together early, in the third over, after Lauren Bell (2/21) trapped Sajeevan Sajana (7) in front, and from there on, Mumbai never looked back.

(With PTI Inputs)