In a record breaking batting performance, England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt has smashed fastest century by an Englishwomen player. Her century against Sri Lanka, at Leicestershire, came in 70 balls as she finished with 120 of 74 balls with 18 fours and 1 six to her name.
The third ODI between England women and Sri Lanka women was cut short to 31 overs a side due to the rain. England was being led by Nat Sciver-Brunt who decided to bat first. Although England lost two wickets for 18 runs, playing her only third ODI, Maia Bouchier an outstanding knock of 95 runs in 65 balls. Only if she could have had one more clean hit, the record of fastest century by an English women’s team player would have belonged to her.
Sciver-Brunt and Bouchier shared a mammoth 193 runs partnership in 121 balls as England posted a massive 273 runs total on board in 31 overs. It was Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 100th ODI game for England and her third century in last 4 innings. The record of fastest century by an Englishwoman belonged to Charlotte Edwards.
As expected, 273 runs proved to be insurmountable for Sri Lanka women who had won the T20I series. The difference between two teams visibly came out as in pursuit of 273, Sri Lanka were bundled out for only 124 runs. With 161 runs win, England sealed the ODI series 2-0.
Charlie Dean had her best day in ODI cricket as she picked a career best figures (31 for 5 in 6 overs) against Sri Lanka. It was always going to be a good opportunity for her to do well in absence of England’s prime spinner Sophie Ecclestone. She’s is nursing from an injury so can’t take part in any cricket for some time.
Lauren Filer took 3 wickets, all three bowled wickets while Sarah Glenn and Mahika Gaur took a wicket each. All around, England couldn’t have asked for a better performance from its bowlers. It’s dominance for England throughout, first with the bat then with the ball.
A tough learning for Sri Lanka in ODIs but they will definitely leave home with some bright memories as they won the three match T20I series. However, the ODIs remained one sided, Sri Lankan bowlers failed to understand what line and lengths to bowl on these pitches.
On the other hand, for the home side, this series ends in a resounding victory. Nat Sciver-Brunt, after missing T20Is, made an amazing comeback with a century. She prefers the route of record breaking and record making innings.
The apparent significant positive for England will be how their young players have performed in the series, particularly in the bowling department. After the departure of Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Brunt, they needed a few youngsters to fill up the big boots.
England now must feel rich to have such an amazing team with younger players doing doing an amazing job.
