England women’s team all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt delivered a scintillating knock of 120 runs off just 74 delivers in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka. The match was shortedned due to rain and was reduced to 31 overs a side. The result also saw England win the three-mtahc series 2-0.
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Sciver-Brunt, who currently leads the ICC Women’s Player Rankings for both batting and all-round abilities, continued her exceptional form. She played some extraordinary shots en route to a spectacular century in what was coincidentally her 100th ODI appearance.
Every boundary from Nat Sciver-Brunt's record-breaking century 🔥#EnglandCricket #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/9fJabGdG6X
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 15, 2023
Rain had delayed the toss earlier in Leicester, but when the weather cleared, Sri Lanka chose to field first. They quickly reduced England to 18/2 in the first five overs.
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However, Sciver-Brunt and Maia Bouchier joined forces and launched a rapid counterattack, taking the team to 72/2 in just 10 overs, despite the initial setbacks.
With a solid foundation in place and a shortened match ahead, Sciver-Brunt and Bouchier began to score at a brisk pace. Bouchier reached her half-century in just 38 balls.
CHARLIE DEAN HAS 5!
Her first 5fer in ODI cricket, stunning 🤝#EnglandCricket #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/1BRpMFZq4c
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 14, 2023
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Sciver-Brunt then unleashed a flurry of fours in the 15th over to put the pressure on the Lankans. The duo’s partnership of 193 runs came in only 20 overs before being broken by Kavisha Dilhari who dismissed Bouchier, caught in front. By that point, Sciver-Brunt had already completed her century in just 66 balls, setting a record for the fastest ODI century by an England women’s player.
Despite her dismissal in the next over after reaching a brilliant 120, Sciver-Brunt’s significant contribution allowed England to post a challenging total.
