England's stand-in cricket captain Nat Sciver-Brunt celebrated her 100th ODI by smashing a record-breaking century, the fastest by an England batter in women's ODIs.
Her performance, supported by Maia Bouchier, led England to a dominant victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday, 14 September, securing a 2-0 series win.
What a knock! 🤩
Nat Sciver-Brunt doing special things. Again.#BBCCricket #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/7hMzsKtMTV— Test Match Special (@bbctms) September 14, 2023
Despite a shaky start for England, with early wickets falling, Sciver-Brunt and Bouchier's partnership delivered. They put together a massive 193-run stand in just 121 deliveries, underpinning England's total of 273-8.
Sciver-Brunt's masterful century, achieved in a mere 66 balls, broke the previous record set by Charlotte Edwards in 2012, highlighting her prowess against spin, a skill that proved crucial in this contest.
Bouchier, in only her second ODI innings, matched Sciver-Brunt's brilliance with a boundary-laden 95, displaying impeccable timing and power in her strokes. Their partnership, a showcase of controlled aggression, guided England to a commanding position, leaving Sri Lanka with a daunting task.
England's batting had struggled against Sri Lanka's spin in previous encounters, but Sciver-Brunt's ability to handle spin expertly made a significant difference. Her innings contained 18 fours and a six, while Bouchier contributed 12 fours and two sixes, firmly establishing herself as a rising star in the England team.
Every boundary from Nat Sciver-Brunt's record-breaking century 🔥#EnglandCricket #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/9fJabGdG6X
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 15, 2023
As Sri Lanka came to bat, England's bowlers continued to dominate. Lauren Filer's exceptional summer continued as she rattled Sri Lanka's top order, while teenage left-arm seamer Mahika Gaur and Charlie Dean further tightened the noose. Dean's crucial wickets, including that of Sri Lanka's captain, Chamari Athapaththu, secured the win for England.
In the end, Sri Lanka's pursuit faltered, and they were bowled out for 112, handing England a resounding victory by 161 runs. This win marked an exceptional conclusion to England's summer cricket season.
Sciver-Brunt's remarkable milestone match will be remembered as a defining moment in women's ODI cricket.
