In a thrilling finale to the Women’s Ashes series, Nat Sciver-Brunt once again emerged as the hero, propelling England to a resounding 69-run victory over Australia on the DLS method in the final ODI at Taunton. This victory resulted in a draw in the multi-series format, with both teams finishing with a score of 8-8, reminiscent of England’s triumph five years ago when they last avoided Ashes defeat in Australia. England’s triumph also secured their dominance in the ODI and Twenty20 series, winning both 2-1. It’s worth noting that Australia had already retained the Ashes by claiming victory in the second ODI in Southampton last Sunday.
Sciver-Brunt, fresh from her unbeaten 111 in Southampton, showcased her exceptional form by registering her second hundred in three days. Her remarkable knock of 129 from 149 balls set a challenging target of 286 for Australia. This stellar performance also marked Sciver-Brunt’s fourth century in five ODIs against Australia and the seventh century of her illustrious England career in this format.
Rain intervened and reduced Australia’s target to 269 from 44 overs. Despite Ashleigh Gardner’s brief display of power hitting, contributing a rapid 41 from just 24 balls, Australia faltered and were eventually bowled out for 199, handing England a comfortable victory that delighted the capacity crowd.
Winning the toss, England faced early trouble as openers Sophia Dunkley and Tammy Beaumont departed with only 12 runs on the board. However, Captain Heather Knight and Sciver-Brunt rose to the challenge, embarking on a mission to repair the innings. By the end of the first powerplay after 10 overs, England had reached 43 for two.
Knight skillfully found gaps in the field while Sciver-Brunt, surviving a stumping review, demonstrated her prowess by hitting a six on the boundary with precision. A missed return chance off Sciver-Brunt provided a lifeline for the partnership, which grew to 147 runs before Knight fell for 67. Alice Capsey contributed five runs before being dismissed, but the crowd erupted as Sciver-Brunt reached her century off 126 balls.
Entering the final 10 overs, England aimed to accelerate the scoring rate, and Danni Wyatt played an explosive cameo, smashing 43 runs off just 25 balls. However, her innings was cut short as she was bowled by Gardner while attempting a cut shot. Amy Jones was run out for six, and Sciver-Brunt’s resistance finally ended in the 48th over when she fell to Jonassen, caught by Gardner. Jonassen claimed two more wickets, while Gardner also took three, as England finished their innings at 285 for nine.
Australia faced a similar predicament, losing two early wickets with only 15 runs on the board. Phoebe Litchfield departed for one run, caught by Sophie Ecclestone off Lauren Bell, while Alyssa Healy was dismissed by a beautiful delivery from Kate Cross. Tahlia McGrath showed promise with 26 runs, but Ecclestone’s flight deceived her, and Jones executed a sharp stumping.
Rain interrupted the match when Australia reached 97 for three after 19.2 overs, leaving England anxiously waiting for the resumption as 20 overs were needed for a completed match. Fortunately, play resumed 54 minutes later, with Australia’s revised target requiring them to score at a rate of seven runs per over.
Ellyse Perry, who reached her half-century with a magnificent six off a free hit, fell to a catch by Capsey off Cross when she was on 53. Beth Mooney then drove straight to Ecclestone at mid-off, giving Cross her third wicket. Australia’s hopes dwindled further when Gardner, aggressive in her approach, attempted a risky second run and fell short of her ground as Cross dislodged the bails. Australia never regained their footing as Jones showcased her exceptional skills with another brilliant stumping to remove Wareham for 14. Dean, brought into the side due to Sarah Glenn’s absence for appendicitis surgery, bowled Sutherland for 18.
The match concluded as Jones held a towering catch to dismiss King for a duck, and Bell claimed the final wicket, catching a thick edge from Jonassen at short third.
England’s outstanding performance in the final ODI not only secured a series draw but also provided a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans around the world. The Women’s Ashes series delivered captivating cricket, highlighting the skill, talent, and resilience of both teams.