WPL 2026: The Tata Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 delivered one of the most electrifying matches in women’s T20 history as Mumbai Indians edged out Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 15 runs in a high-scoring thriller.
Packed with fearless stroke play, a breathtaking century, a blistering counterattack, and last-over drama, this contest had everything cricket fans crave.
In the end, it was Mumbai Indians’ composure under pressure that made the difference. After posting a commanding 199/4 in 20 overs, MI held their nerve with the ball to restrict RCB to 184/9, but the result remained uncertain until the final overs.
Nat Sciver-Brunt Plays the Perfect T20 Masterclass
The defining story of the night was Nat Sciver-Brunt, who produced a knock for the ages. The England superstar smashed an unbeaten 100 off just 57 balls, an innings that combined elegance, power, and tactical awareness.
Her century wasn’t just about milestones — it shaped the entire match.
Highlights of her innings:
- 16 crisp boundaries
- 1 towering six
- Strike rate above 175
Mumbai suffered an early wobble, but Sciver-Brunt stabilized the innings with intelligent strike rotation. Once set, she shifted gears dramatically in the death overs.
Her range of strokes — cover drives, powerful pulls, and straight lofted hits — left the RCB bowlers searching for answers. She controlled the tempo perfectly, ensuring Mumbai finished close to the 200-run mark.
Hayley Matthews Sets the Tone Early
Sciver-Brunt found strong support from Hayley Matthews, who gave MI the momentum they needed in the powerplay. Matthews struck 56 off 39 balls, attacking from the outset and not allowing the run rate to dip.
Her positive approach against the new ball laid the platform for a massive total. With boundaries flowing early, the pressure shifted immediately onto RCB’s bowling unit.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also played a handy cameo, scoring 20 off 12 balls. These quick runs in the latter stages proved crucial in pushing Mumbai beyond the psychological 190-run barrier.
199 on the Board—But RCB Refuse to Back Down
Chasing 199 in a pressure match is never easy, and RCB’s innings got off to a shaky start.
- Smriti Mandhana fell for 6
- Grace Harris managed 15
- Georgia Voll scored 9
Three early wickets suggested a one-sided contest. But what followed turned the match into a classic.
Richa Ghosh: The Lone Warrior
When RCB were in deep trouble, Richa Ghosh walked in and transformed the contest. She didn’t just score runs—she shifted momentum.
Her explosive 90 off 50 balls was one of the finest counterattacking innings in WPL history.
Her innings featured:
- 10 boundaries
- 6 sixes
- Strike rate of 180
Ghosh attacked both spin and pace with fearless intent. Her lofted hits over long-on and deep midwicket brought the crowd alive and forced Mumbai onto the defensive. For a while, it looked like she might pull off a miracle chase.
She received some support from Nadine de Klerk, who scored 28, but consistent wickets at the other end kept RCB under scoreboard pressure.
Mumbai’s Bowlers Deliver Under Pressure
With the match slipping away during Ghosh’s assault, MI’s bowlers responded at the right time.
- Shabnim Ismail rattled the top order with pace early on
- Amelia Kerr applied control through the middle overs
- Hayley Matthews chipped in with key breakthroughs
In the death overs, Mumbai’s discipline stood out. Tight lines and clever variations denied RCB the boundary options they desperately needed. Despite Ghosh’s brilliance, the required rate crept up, and Mumbai closed out the game professionally.
Match Summary
| Team | Score |
| Mumbai Indians | 199/4 (20 overs) |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 184/9 (20 overs) |
| Result: | Mumbai Indians won by 15 runs |
| Player of the Match: | Nat Sciver-Brunt |
WPL 2026: Updated Points Table
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | NRR | Points |
| Q | RCB | 7 | 5 | 2 | +0.947 | 10 |
| 2 | MI | 7 | 3 | 4 | +0.146 | 6 |
| 3 | Delhi Capitals | 6 | 3 | 3 | -0.169 | 6 |
| 4 | Gujarat Giants | 6 | 3 | 3 | -0.341 | 6 |
| 5 | UP Warriorz | 6 | 2 | 4 | -0.769 | 4 |
Why This Match Will Be Remembered
- First century of WPL 2026
- One of Richa Ghosh’s most explosive knocks
- Two teams crossing 180+
- Nail-biting finish
This clash was proof that modern women’s cricket is no longer just about technique — it’s about power-hitting, fearless intent, and high-pressure drama. WPL 2026 continues to raise the bar, and if this game is any sign, fans are in for a spectacular season.
Also Read: IPL 2026: MS Dhoni Batting at No. 3? R Ashwin’s Explosive Claim Stuns CSK Fans