Nat Sciver-Brunt scores first-ever WPL century

Nat Sciver-Brunt made history by scoring the first century in the Women's Premier League, an unbeaten 100 off 57 balls for Mumbai Indians against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Her innings propelled MI to 199/4, securing a 15-run victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.

On avoiding the nervous nineties: "I'd seen a few players get out in the 90s, so I didn't want to replicate that," Sciver-Brunt said. "I wanted to get as many runs as possible for the team. I'm really pleased."

The innings context: Coming in at 16/1 in the third over, she built a 131-run partnership with Hayley Matthews (73 balls) and a 42-run stand with Harmanpreet Kaur (25 balls).

A personal milestone: She dedicated her first T20 hundred to her wife, former England pacer Katherine Sciver-Brunt, and their son Theodore with a 'T' celebration. "It's my first T20 hundred, so I'm really happy to get over that milestone."

Teammate praise: "For her to get the hundred today was quite deserving," said Hayley Matthews. "She's probably been the best batter in this competition. Quite fitting that she was able to get the first one."

Opposition admiration: "Nat is definitely a world-class player," said RCB captain Smriti Mandhana. "She can hit one ball at three different places… The way she accelerated after 25-30 is something which every youngster should watch and learn."

RCB coach Malolan Rangarajan added: "If anybody else deserved to be the first centurion in the WPL, I think Nat certainly was it."

Tournament standing: Sciver-Brunt now holds the Orange Cap with 319 runs in six innings (avg. 79.75, SR ~155). She was also last season's Orange Cap winner and MVP.