Ecclestone Reaches 100 ODI Wickets as England Secures 2-0 Series Win
England 302 for 5 (Sciver-Brunt 124, Wyatt 44, Capsey 39) defeated Pakistan 124 (Muneeba 47, Ecclestone 3-15) by 178 runs**
Nat Sciver-Brunt showcased her exceptional batting skills once again, scoring an impressive 124 not out off 117 balls. Her outstanding performance led England to a commanding 178-run victory in the final ODI against Pakistan at Chelmsford. Sciver-Brunt also contributed with the ball, taking two crucial wickets in her first bowl of the summer.
This win, achieved under clear skies following the rain-affected second match at Taunton, resulted in a 2-0 series win for England in the 50-over format, adding to their 3-0 sweep in the T20I series. England’s performance in this match was their most complete of the five played, with Pakistan being bowled out with over 20 overs to spare.
England set a formidable total of 302 for 5, with Pakistan struggling early in their innings. Lauren Bell returned to the lineup and removed both openers within ten balls, including a sharp catch by Maia Bouchier at cover to dismiss Sidra Amin. Kate Cross then claimed Ayesha Zafar for 13. Sciver-Brunt’s return to bowling fitness was marked by dismissing Najiha Alvi for 6 and Muneeba for 47. Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s top spin bowler, then took three wickets in 25 balls, reaching 100 ODI wickets in her 64th match—the fastest in women’s ODI history. Captain Heather Knight caught Nashra Sandhu at slip for Ecclestone’s landmark wicket.
With Nida Dar unable to bat due to a hamstring injury, England’s substitute fielder Sophia Dunkley completed the victory with a catch at long-off, ending Aliya Riaz’s fighting innings of 36 from 41 balls.
ALSO READ:Pakistan Clinches Volleyball Series Against Australia with Consecutive Wins
Despite England’s dominance, Sciver-Brunt’s exceptional performance was pivotal. Her ninth ODI century, and fourth in nine innings, brought her total to over 3,500 ODI runs faster than any other female batter. Her only chance came on 86 when Najiha Alvi dropped a thin edge, but she continued unfazed, reaching her century in 110 balls. Diana Baig’s final over was punished with two straight sixes and a lofted four, as England scored 47 runs in the last three overs.
England’s innings had a shaky start after opting to bat first, losing three wickets for 70 runs inside 14 overs. Tammy Beaumont’s ill-judged ramp shot highlighted the team’s struggle to balance aggression with the situational demands of a 50-over match, as identified by Knight.
Maia Bouchier initially impressed with six fours in her 34 from 33 balls but was dismissed for her highest score of the series. Danni Wyatt then steadied the innings with a 42-ball 44 in a 79-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Amy Jones contributed a run-a-ball 27 after being dropped on 6. Alice Capsey supported Sciver-Brunt with 39 not out from 42 balls, overturning an lbw decision before hitting a four and another boundary in the final over.
England’s dominant performance, capped by Sciver-Brunt’s brilliance, left Pakistan with no chance of recovery.
A venerable sports journalist boasting two decades of expertise. Renowned as a reliable authority in sports reporting, Khan’s meticulous approach shines through as he delves into the intricacies of NFL plays, dissects NHL strategies, unravels the finesse of soccer, and deciphers the tactics of basketball. With an unwavering commitment to storytelling, Khan invites you to join him in exploring the dynamic world of athletics, where his nuanced understanding of athletes, strategies, and narratives unfolds across the NFL, NHL, Football, Soccer, Basketball, and beyond.
