In a thrilling conclusion to the Women’s Ashes 2023, England emerged victorious in the decisive third and final One-Day International (ODI) against Australia. The match, held at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton on Tuesday, saw England level the multi-format series 8-8.
What a series that will go down as one of the greatest in history 👏👏👏
We draw the Metro Bank Women’s Ashes 2023 🤝#EnglandCricket #Ashes pic.twitter.com/4eKHjO5GAI
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 18, 2023
England’s triumph not only brought them series parity but also marked Australia’s first bilateral ODI series defeat since 2013, highlighting the significance of the encounter. The home team owed their success to the exceptional performance of Nat Sciver-Brunt, who smashed a brilliant century in the match.
Sciver-Brunt’s century was her second consecutive ton, as she had previously scored a hundred in the second ODI, which unfortunately ended in a narrow three-run loss for England. The seasoned English batter showcased her skills once again, amassing a commanding 129 runs to propel her team to a competitive total of 285/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Australia, tasked with chasing a revised target of 269 due to rain, faltered in their pursuit and were eventually bundled out for 199 runs, courtesy of an outstanding bowling display by Kate Cross. The right-arm pacer claimed three crucial wickets for 48 runs in her spell of 8 overs.
Among her victims were renowned players Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, and Beth Mooney, but it was her dismissal of Healy that drew the most attention. In the third over of Australia’s chase, Cross executed a mesmerizing wobble seam delivery, pitching on a good length and sharply nipping back in towards Healy.
Healy attempted a defensive shot, but the small gap between her bat and pads proved fatal as the ball sneaked through, crashing onto the stumps in a dazzling display of skill and precision. The dismissal of Healy showcased Cross’ bowling prowess and left spectators in awe.
Here is the video:
Bang bang 💥
Healy goes to a beauty from Kate Cross!!! 😮💨#EnglandCricket #Ashes pic.twitter.com/eqyFS4olBJ
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 18, 2023
“We couldn’t regain the Ashes after the last game, but we knew there was still a series on the line. It was our goal to come here today and win, take the series 2-1 so I’m really proud of the girls,” said Cross after the match.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
