England’s all-rounder Nat Sciver Brunt made history at the Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein, scoring the fastest century in women’s Test cricket. She reached the milestone in just 96 balls, surpassing the previous record held by Chamari Seneviratne of Sri Lanka, who took 106 balls to achieve the feat.
Sciver’s blazing century, laced with precision and aggression, not only set a new benchmark but also placed England in a commanding position on the opening day of the one-off Test against South Africa.
Maia Bouchier scores fastest Test Century ✅
30 minutes later….
Nat-Sciver Brunt breaks Maia Bouchier’s record ✅#CricketTwitter #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/qlkZNceuav
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 15, 2024
Match Overview: England’s Aggressive Start
Winning the toss, England opted to bat first on a lively pitch. Their innings began with Maia Bouchier, playing her debut Test, partnering seasoned opener Tammy Beaumont. The pair provided a steady start, building a 53-run stand for the first wicket before Beaumont fell.
Skipper Heather Knight then stabilized the innings alongside Bouchier, bringing the total to 103 runs before being dismissed. This set the stage for Nat Sciver Brunt, who walked in at No. 4 and unleashed her batting prowess.
Nat Sciver Brunt: A Record-Breaking Innings
Sciver wasted no time settling in, adopting an aggressive approach right from the start.
- Half-Century in 46 Balls: Her quick start was marked by radical strokeplay, reaching her fifty in just 46 balls.
- Century in 96 Balls: Building on this momentum, Sciver smashed boundaries all around the ground, eventually bringing up her century in just 96 deliveries, rewriting the record books.
Her innings featured 18 boundaries, showcasing a mix of power and elegance. Sciver’s explosive batting was instrumental in boosting England’s total, putting the visitors in a strong position against the Proteas.
Partnerships That Defined the Day
Sciver’s innings was also marked by two crucial partnerships:
- 174-Run Stand with Maia Bouchier:
Bouchier, on debut, scored a scintillating 126 runs before falling to Ayanda Hlubi. Together, the pair dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack, propelling England into a dominant position. - 58-Run Stand:
Following Bouchier’s dismissal, Sciver partnered with the middle order to add another 58 runs before an unfortunate run-out ended her monumental innings at 128 off 145 balls.
Fastest Centuries in Women’s Test Cricket
Nat Sciver Brunt’s 96-ball century has now etched her name at the top of the list of fastest centuries in women’s Test cricket. Here’s how her record compares to other quick-fire centuries:
| Rank | Player | Balls Faced | Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nat Sciver Brunt (ENG) | 96 | 128 (145 balls) | South Africa | Bloemfontein | 2024 |
| 2 | Chamari Seneviratne (SL) | 106 | 105 (120 balls) | Pakistan | Colombo | 1998 |
| 3 | Shafali Verma (IND) | 113 | 110 (134 balls) | South Africa | Chennai | 2024 |
| 4 | Smriti Mandhana (IND) | 122 | 120 (150 balls) | South Africa | Chennai | 2024 |
| 5 | Maia Bouchier (ENG) | 124 | 126 (170 balls) | South Africa | Bloemfontein | 2024 |
Impact of Sciver’s Knock
Nat Sciver Brunt’s historic knock not only shattered records but also set the tone for England’s innings. Her aggressive approach forced the South African bowlers onto the back foot, allowing England to dictate terms on Day 1.
Her ability to shift gears—from steady building to all-out attack—highlighted her adaptability and cricketing intelligence. Sciver’s performance was a perfect example of how modern-day cricket balances tradition with aggression in the red-ball format.
As Day 1 concluded, England found themselves in a commanding position thanks to Nat Sciver Brunt’s heroics. With the visitors setting a strong platform, their bowlers will look to capitalize on this momentum and challenge South Africa’s batting lineup in the coming days.
Nat Sciver Brunt’s knock will not only be remembered for its historical significance but also for how it shaped England’s dominance in this one-off Test.
FAQs
1. What record did Nat Sciver Brunt break?
Nat Sciver Brunt broke the record for the fastest century in women’s Test cricket, reaching the milestone in 96 balls.
2. Who held the previous record for the fastest Test century in women’s cricket?
The previous record was held by Chamari Seneviratne of Sri Lanka, who scored a century off 106 balls in 1998 against Pakistan.
3. How many runs did Nat Sciver Brunt score in her innings?
Nat Sciver Brunt scored 128 runs off 145 balls, including 18 boundaries.
4. How did England perform on Day 1 of the one-off Test?
England ended Day 1 in a commanding position, with strong contributions from Maia Bouchier (126) and Nat Sciver Brunt (128).
5. Where was the one-off Test against South Africa played?
The match was played at the Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein.
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