Nat Sciver-Brunt's first-ever ton of WPL history powers MI's 15-run victory against RCB
Vadodara (PTI): Nat Sciver-Brunt (100 not out) hit the first-ever century of Women’s Premier League history in its fourth edition as dominant Mumbai Indians beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 15 runs, despite Richa Ghosh's whirlwind 90, here on Monday.
In a must-win game to remain in contention for play-offs, defending champions Mumbai hit their strides to produce a near-perfect performance with the bat, piling up 199 for four.
But, despite making early inroads to leave RCB reeling at 35 for 5 inside the powerplay, MI bowlers appeared clueless against Richa who hammered 10 fours and six sixes to make 90 off 50 balls in her team's 184 for 9.
RCB collected 43 runs in the last two overs, with India all-rounder Amanjot Kaur being smacked for three sixes in a row by Richa.
Hayley Matthews (56 and 3/10), who had earlier struck a vital half-century, jolted MI twice as she accounted for skipper Smriti Mandhana (6) and Georgia Voll (9) in the fourth over, and for Radha Yadav (0) in her next.
Shabnim Ismail (2/25), who had struck first to remove Grace Harris (15), cleaned up Gautami Naik (1) for her second wicket while also took a sharp catch in the deep to help Matthews dismiss Radha.
With the win, Mumbai jumped to second spot with six points from seven matches. Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants are also on six points from six matches each but Mumbai have better Net Run Rate.
Earlier, England's Sciver-Brunt (100 not out) struck the first-ever century in WPL to fire Mumbai Indians to a formidable 199for 4.
Sciver-Brunt’s 57-ball unbeaten ton and Matthews’ 56 laid the foundation for a big total for Mumbai Indians.
Matthews and Sciver-Brunt put on 131 runs off 73 balls for the second wicket in a whirlwind partnership in which they not only rotated strike well but unleashed a flurry of boundaries.
Matthews struck nine fours to make 56 off 39 balls while Sciver-Brunt hammered 16 fours and one six for her 100 not out.
The pair came together early in the third over when Lauren Bell (2/21) trapped Sajeevan Sajana (7) in front of the wickets.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indians: 199 for 4 in 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 56, Nat Sciver-Brunt 100 not out; Lauren Bell 2/21) beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru 184/9 in 20 overs (Richa Ghosh 90 not out; Shabnim Ismail 2/25, Hayley Matthews 3/10) by 15 runs.
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Padma Awards: Muslim artists, scholars honoured for excellence in folk arts, literature, education
New Delhi: Veteran actor Mammootty and four other distinguished Muslim personalities have been honoured with the Padma Awards 2026, on the eve of Republic Day. The awards recognise outstanding contributions across fields such as art, culture, literature and education.
Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail, famed as Mammootty, the towering figure of Malayalam cinema has been conferred the Padma Bhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award. With a career spanning more than five decades, the multilingual actor has featured in over 400 films including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and English.
Speaking to Mathrubhumi News, Mammootty said, "Santosham, athi santhosham… there is nothing bigger than the honour from the country"
Mammootty was previously honoured with the Padma Shri in 2021 and was a National Film Awardee thrice; In addition to it, he also have won 11 Kerala State Film Awards.
Ghaffaruddin Mewati Jogi, from Rajasthan, one among the other Padma Shree awardees, has been recognised for his contribution to folk arts. The maestro of the Bhapang instrument and the sole surviving practitioner of Pandun ka Kada, a Mahabharata-based folk story telling custom, he has preserved the said folk art for about six decades. Hailing from the Mewati Jogi community, celebrated for the syncretic musical heritage, Ghaffaruddin’s performances were abstracts from epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana; Also, his narratives were centred around Hindu deities like Shiva, Shri Ram, and Shri Krishna. Responding to the honour came his way, he said, "It is a great joy to see my work recognised at the national level. I hope our folk traditions continue to inspire future generations"
Gujarati folk musician Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai, famed as Haji Ramakdu, has also been awarded the Padma Shri. Renowned for his excellence in playing the Dholak, he has performed extensively in various genres including Bhajans, Santvani, Ghazals and Qawwali, with more than 3,000 performances and over 1,000 stage shows to his credit.
Nuruddin Ahmed, an Assamese sculptor and visual artist, has been honoured for his contributions to art and culture. Famed for his Durga Puja idols, temple sculptures and large-scale installations, his creations reflect a blend of scriptural knowledge and artistic craftsmanship. He has also sculpted figures of prominent Assamese personalities such as Bhupen Hazarika and Gopinath Bordoloi.
Responding to the honour came his way, he said, "Art is a way to connect with people and culture. I am humbled that my work has been recognised nationally"
Prof. Shafi Shauq, an academic and literary figure from Kashmir, has also been named for the Padma Shri in recognition of his contributions to education and literature. Born in 1950, Shauq has authored, edited and translated more than 100 works in Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi and English, including the widely regarded Keeshur Lugaat and Kaeshir Zabana ti Adibuk Tawaariekh. He served as a professor at the University of Kashmir for over 30 years, mentoring generations of students and scholars. "It is a matter of immense pride to be recognised for work I have devoted my life to" Shauq expressed his joy.
