England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt etched her name in cricketing history as she became only the second Englishwoman, after the legendary Charlotte Edwards, to cross 8,000 international runs.
The 33-year-old all-rounder reached the milestone in stunning fashion, registering a captain’s century, 117 off 117 balls, against Sri Lanka in Colombo during the ongoing 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Her knock not only guided England to a competitive total of 253/9 at the R Premadasa Stadium but also reinforced her place among the modern greats of women’s cricket.
Nat Sciver-Brunt’s century against Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka wasn’t just about milestone runs; it marked yet another record-breaking feat on the World Cup stage. With her latest ton, she now holds the record for the most centuries (5) in the history of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, surpassing former New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates, who has four. Across 21 matches and 19 innings in the tournament’s history, Sciver-Brunt has amassed 954 runs at an exceptional average of 59.62 and a brisk strike rate of 98.35, including 5 centuries and 2 half-centuries.
Her consistency and composure under pressure have been vital for England in their campaign. In the ongoing 2025 edition, she stands as England’s leading run-scorer and the tournament’s second-highest overall, with 149 runs at an average of 74.50 and a strike rate of 94.30. Her leadership has also translated into results. England have started strongly, winning their first two games comprehensively against South Africa (by 10 wickets) and Bangladesh (by 4 wickets) in Guwahati before this key third fixture in Colombo.
Since making her ODI debut on 1st July 2013 against Pakistan at Louth, Nat Sciver-Brunt has evolved into one of the most complete ODI cricketers of her generation. Over 124 matches and 110 innings, she has accumulated 4,241 runs at a sparkling strike rate of 95.30 and an average of 47.12, laced with 25 half-centuries and 10 centuries. Her century at Colombo marked her 10th in the format, further strengthening her status among England’s finest.
Her most defining ODI moment, however, remains her heroic 148* against Australia in the 2022 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Despite England’s defeat in pursuit of 357, Sciver-Brunt’s innings stood as a masterclass in controlled aggression, resilience, and technical precision, an effort widely regarded as one of the greatest knocks in a World Cup final. It was also the innings that epitomised her ability to rise above pressure and lead with sheer determination.
In the shortest format, Sciver-Brunt has been a pillar of stability and power in England’s batting order since her T20I debut against Pakistan on 5th July 2013 at Loughborough. Across 137 matches and 131 innings, she has scored 2,960 runs at an average of 29.01 and a strike rate of 119.11, registering 18 half-centuries.
Her match-winning 82 off 61 balls against the West Indies on 26th September 2020 at Derby showcased her match awareness and ability to turn the game with both bat and ball. England sealed that game by 20 runs, with Sciver-Brunt deservedly named Player of the Match, a performance emblematic of her influence in the T20 format.
Debuting against Australia at Perth on 10th January 2014, she has made an instant mark in the longest format. In just 12 Tests, she has tallied 883 runs in 20 innings, averaging 46.47 with a strike rate of 54.91. Her red-ball record includes 2 centuries and 5 half-centuries, numbers that highlight her growing adaptability and temperament across formats.
Her finest Test innings in the red-ball format came on 27th June 2022, when she produced a magnificent unbeaten 169* against South Africa at Taunton. The innings, featuring 21 boundaries, was both elegant and defiant, helping England draw the match. She was rightfully named Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance.
Nat Sciver-Brunt’s journey, from her debut in 2013 to leading England across formats, mirrors the evolution of modern women’s cricket itself: bold, aggressive, and relentlessly professional. Now a member of the elite 8,000-run club, she stands alongside Charlotte Edwards not just in numbers but in influence and legacy.
Her leadership, resilience, and flair continue to define England’s golden era of women’s cricket, and with the World Cup still unfolding, one thing is certain: Nat Sciver-Brunt’s milestones are far from over.
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