England skipper Heather Knight played a captain’s knock to guide her team to an emphatic victory at the County Ground on Wednesday, leveling the Ashes 2023 series 6-6. This win not only kept the Ashes series alive but also marked Australia’s first loss in a white-ball game since February 2016.
England achieved their highest-ever run chase in women’s ODI cricket by surpassing the score of 245, which they had set against New Zealand in Derby back in 2021. Chasing a target of 264 runs, England faced an early setback as opener Sophia Dunkley fell to Ellyse Perry’s inswinging delivery, departing for just 8 runs.
However, Tammy Beaumont and Alice Capsey steadied the ship with a 74-run partnership. Beaumont smashed a six to bring up England’s century, while Capsey followed suit with a six of her own. But their dismissals in quick succession gave Australia a glimmer of hope. Beaumont fell for 47, mistiming her shot straight into the hands of Tahlia McGrath, while Capsey departed for a well-made 40 off 34 balls.
England’s captain, Heather Knight, and Nat Sciver-Brunt then formed a crucial 42-run partnership, briefly reviving the team’s hopes. However, Brunt’s attempt to reverse sweep resulted in her dismissal, providing another wicket to Australia. The Australian bowlers continued to strike at regular intervals, posing a threat to England’s chances.
But Knight stood strong, keeping the scoreboard ticking in her team’s favor. After Sophie Ecclestone departed for just 5 runs, Kate Cross joined Knight in the middle, offering the much-needed support. Together, they guided England to a thrilling two-wicket victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the ODI series.
Earlier in the match, England’s dropped catches allowed Australia to reach a total of 263. Beth Mooney capitalized on her luck after being dropped on 19, going on to score an unbeaten 81 and dismantle the England bowling attack.
Now, Australia will have to regroup and bounce back in the second ODI, which is scheduled to be played at the Ageas Bowl on Sunday.
Brief Score: Australia 263-8 (Beth Mooney 81*, Ellyse Perry 41; Nat Sciver-Brunt 2-38) vs England 267-8 (Heather Knight 75*, Tammy Beaumont 47; Ashleigh Gardner 3-42).
In conclusion, Heather Knight’s outstanding innings and England’s record run chase have injected new life into the Ashes 2023 series. It remains to be seen how Australia responds in the upcoming matches as they aim to reclaim the series.
