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Nat Sciver-Brunt century drives England to imposing 178-run victory
Nat Sciver Brunt once again proved herself to be the gold standard of England’s batting with a mighty 117-ball 124 not out, then followed up with two game-breaking wickets in her first bowl of the summer, as England powered to an emphatic 178-run victory in the third and final ODI against Pakistan at Chelmsford.
The result, achieved under mercifully rain-free skies after the sodden mess that engulfed Sunday’s second match at Taunton, condemned Pakistan to a 2-0 series loss in the 50-over leg of their tour, to go along with their 3-0 whitewashing in the T20Is. And, in a welcome sign of progress for the hosts after last week’s “scrappy” 37-run victory at Derby, this was England’s most complete display of their five completed matches, with Pakistan’s innings this time mopped up with more than 20 overs to spare.
With England’s imposing 302 for 5 on the board, Pakistan were reduced to 35 for 3 in the powerplay by the returning Lauren Bell, who bagged both openers in the space of ten balls including Sidra Amin to a sharp take from Maia Bouchier at cover, and Kate Cross, who induced Ayesha Zafar into a flat flick to midwicket for 13. Then, after Sciver-Brunt had signalled her return to bowling fitness with the scalps of Najiha Alvi for 6 and Muneeba, caught off a top-edge for a battling 47 from 55 balls off the final ball of her designated five-over spell, it was over to Sophie Ecclestone with a slice of history of her own.
The world’s No.1 spin bowler is a handy operator to be able to introduce at 96 for 6 after 21 overs, after Charlie Dean had been rewarded for her own perseverance by picking off Fatima Sana for a third-ball duck. She duly mopped up the resistance with three wickets in 25 balls, including two in two to march through to 100 ODI wickets in her 64th match – the quickest in women’s ODI history – with her captain Heather Knight grabbing Nashra Sandhu at slip for the landmark wicket.
With Nida Dar unable to bat after tweaking her hamstring in the field, it was left to England’s substitute fielder Sophia Dunkley to wrap up the contest with more than 20 overs remaining, with a sharp tumbling take at long-off that ended Aliya Riaz’s doughty innings of 36 from 41.
Her ninth ODI hundred was her fourth in nine innings and tenth in all formats for England, and also took her past 3,500 ODI runs in her 94th innings, at a faster rate than any female batter in history. Her only genuine let-off came on 86, when Najiha Alvi spilled a thin edge off Nashra that could also have been a stumping chance but, unfazed, she banked her century from 110 balls with back-to-back scoops for four off Sana, before truly cutting loose to apply a gloss finish to the innings. Diana Baig’s final over was clattered for consecutive straight sixes and another lofted four through the covers, as England ransacked 47 runs from the final three overs.
It hadn’t started with quite such poise, however. After winning the toss and batting first, England once again endured a mixed powerplay against some probing new-ball bowling and were three-down for 70 inside the 14th over. In particular, Tammy Beaumont’s dismissal to an ill-conceived ramp shot epitomised a team that is determined to dial up their aggression with the T20 World Cup looming, but has struggled to “read the situations” of a 50-over innings that Knight had identified as their key challenge in the lead-up to the series.
Bouchier impressed with her poise initially, picking off six fours to provide the bulk of England’s early progress, but her 34 from 33 balls still ended up being her highest score of a series that had promised more. But after Knight had come and gone cheaply, Danni Wyatt took over the initiative in a fourth-wicket stand of 79 with a 42-ball 44, before Amy Jones capitalised on a let-off at midwicket on 6 to keep the innings ticking with a run-a-ball 27.
Alice Capsey then kept Sciver-Brunt company into the death overs with 39 not out from 42 balls, including a one-bounce four down the ground moments after overturning an lbw appeal that was shown to be going over the stumps. Thereafter she was limited to just one more boundary in her first 37 balls until a late brace in the final over, as Pakistan tightened their lines to briefly raise the prospect of limiting England to a total closer to 250 than 300.
But by the time England’s premier performer had trotted out her A-game in the closing moments, there was no way back for Pakistan.
Brief scores: England 302 for 5 in 50 overs (Maia Boucher 34, Nat Sciver-Brunt 124*, Danni Wyatt 44, Amy Jones 27, Alice Capsey 39*; Diana Baig 1-60, Nida Dar 1-51, Fatima Sana 1-57, Umrp-e-Hani 2-47) beat Pakistan 124 in 29.1 overs (Muneeba Ali 47, Alia Riaz 36; Kate Cross 1-19, Lauren Bell 2-26, Charlie Dean 1-47, Nat Sciver-Brunt 2-11, Sophie Ecclestone 3-15) by 78 runs
(Cricinfo)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Tavengwa Mukuhlani as its Deputy Chairperson through November 2027.
Mukuhlani, who currently serves as the Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket and represents the nation on the ICC Board, is set to take over the position from Imran Khwaja, following the latter’s departure.
Mukuhlani serves on the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) and Nominations Committees, and he chairs the HR and Remuneration Committee. He will become the first Zimbabwean to be appointed as the Deputy Chair of the ICC.
His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for African cricket as Zimbabwe prepare to co-host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 alongside South Africa and Namibia. Leveraging his extensive leadership at Zimbabwe Cricket and regional expertise, Mukuhlani will provide valuable direction as the ICC brings the flagship tournament back to Africa for the first time in 24 years.
ICC Chairman, Jay Shah said, “I warmly congratulate Tavengwa Mukuhlani on his appointment as Deputy Chair of the ICC. “His experience in cricket administration, understanding of the global game and commitment to its development will be invaluable to the ICC Board.
“Tavengwa has earned the confidence of his fellow Directors, and I look forward to working closely with him to strengthen cricket across our Members and create greater opportunities for the game to grow worldwide. His election is also a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, as he becomes the first Zimbabwean to serve as Deputy Chair.
“With cricket expanding globally and returning to the Olympic Games, strong leadership will be vital. I wish Tavengwa every success in his new role.”
Tavengwa Mukuhlani said, “I am deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by my fellow ICC Board Directors and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Chair of the ICC. “I look forward to working closely with our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah, whose leadership, energy and ambition have brought a clear sense of purpose to the ICC, with a strong focus on growing cricket, creating opportunities for our Members and reaching new audiences and markets.
“Cricket is entering an exciting period, particularly with its return to the Olympic Games and continued global expansion. I look forward to supporting our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah and fellow board directors in advancing our shared priorities and serving the best interests of cricket globally.”
[ICC]
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Isle of Man teenage all-rounder Lucy Barnett ICC Women’s Player of the Month for August 2026
Lucy Barnett played a pivotal role in Isle of Man’s run to the Women’s Continental Cup final, finishing the tournament as the leading run-scorer.
The 19-year-old beat competitions from Suleeporn Laomi and Nannapt Koncharoenkai of Thailand to the award.
She enjoyed an outstanding campaign, registering a century and two fifties across the competition.
Barnett began with an unbeaten 71 against Romania, guiding Isle of Man to a comfortable run chase in just 13.1 overs.
After scoring only four runs against Greece, she responded in spectacular fashion against Norway, smashing an unbeaten 123 from 64 balls to help her side finish top of the group.
She also made an impact with the ball in those two matches, taking 1/8 against Greece and 1/11 against Norway.
Her strong run continued in the final against Turkey, where she was Isle of Man’s highest scorer with a 59, while also contributing two wickets for 22 runs.
Across four T20Is, Barnett amassed 257 runs at an exceptional average of 128.50 and a strike rate of 178.47.
With the ball, she claimed four wickets at an economy rate of 3.80 and an average of 14.25.
Speaking on the recognition, Barnett revealed the award gives her an added motivation to keep performing at the highest level.
“Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling and, honestly, still feels a little unbelievable as I am making history of sorts for the Isle of Man,” Barnett said.
“I knew I had a strong month, but to be recognised ahead of so many others is something I’m immensely proud of and will cherish for a very long time.
“It’s a fantastic time for women’s cricket, and to have the spotlight on me now is a truly special feeling.
“I’m grateful to the ICC for this honour and to all my team-mates, coaches and officials who have made my international journey such an enjoyable and rewarding one.
“This award gives me even more motivation to keep pushing myself, and I hope to carry this form into the matches ahead and create many more special moments for my team.”
[ICC]
Sonal Dinusha has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2026.
This marks Dinusha being crowned with the accolade for the first time in his career.
Having played only three Tests for Sri Lanka coming into the ICC World Test Championship series against India, the left-handed batter was the leading run-getter in the two-match series.
Dinusha finished with 420 runs, averaging a spectacular 140, with three centuries and a half-century to his name.
“This recognition means so much to me, especially so early in my career, and I’m truly grateful to the ICC for this honour,” Dinusha said while reflecting on his latest achievement.
While Sri Lanka lost the first Test by 165 runs, Dinusha managed to score 100 in the first innings, followed by 84 runs in the second.
In the second Test, with the hosts battling to avoid a series sweep, Dinusha scored twin centuries in the two innings (103 and an unbeaten 133) to orchestrate a famous draw.
“The series against India will always hold a special place in my heart,” Dinusha added.
“Scoring three centuries was a dream come true, made even more meaningful by achieving them in Colombo and Galle in front of our home fans. “Although we didn’t get the overall result we hoped for, the way our team fought back in the second match showed the character, belief and determination we have as a side. I’m proud to have shared that fight with my teammates.
Dinusha made his Test debut for Sri Lanka last year, during the home series against Bangladesh.
In a short time, the all-rounder has made a big impact while representing his team in the longest format, an achievement he isn’t taking for granted.
“Representing Sri Lanka is a privilege I never take for granted, and this recognition gives me even more motivation to keep learning, improving and contributing to the team.
“I’ll continue to give my very best for Sri Lanka in the months and years ahead.”
The hosts managed to keep the series at 1-0, and Dinusha was named the Player of the Match in Colombo.
[ICC]
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