England’s march to the last four of the T20 World Cup has been characterised by the kind of fearless approach showcased by their male Test compatriots. Indeed, Natalie Sciver-Brunt has already coined the term ‘Jonball’ to describe new Head Coach Jon Lewis’ proactive mindset.
And how that mindset is paying dividends.
As they prepare to face South Africa in the semi-finals – with a place in the showpiece against the old enemy from Down Under firmly in their sights – we took a look at the formidable figures behind their breathtaking campaign so far.
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176 – runs for Nat Sciver-Brunt, the most by anyone in the tournament
Already established as one of the leading female cricketers in the world, Nat Sciver-Brunt’s belligerence and consistency have been remarkable even by her stratospheric standards.
In no innings was this better demonstrated than her brutal 81 from 40 deliveries against Pakistan - an innings which meant she has now made more World Cup fifties than any other woman in England colours.
Finding the fence on no fewer than 12 occasions, and clearing the ropes for one of the four sixes smashed by the Three Lions, the remainder of Sciver-Brunt’s innings was a masterclass in manipulating the opposition and piercing the field.
Recently announced as a marquee signing for the Trent Bridge-based outfit The Blaze, and having scooped a £320,000 payday ahead of the inaugural edition of India’s WPL, this was an clear display of just why Sciver-Brunt is so in demand.
213 – runs scored by England against Pakistan
England’s star all-rounder did not, however, do it all on her own.
Danni Wyatt set the tone with a top-order half-century, before Amy Jones proved Sciver-Brunt’s perfect foil with a brisk 47 from 30 balls.
England’s total of 213/7 was a Women’s T20 World Cup record, and the first time any side had ever passed 200 in the competition's history.
It proved far beyond a Pakistan side who fell short by some 114 runs.
100% - England’s group-stage record
If the mark of a good team is to showcase different ways to win, England have proven their worth with aplomb – but the journey has not been entirely smooth.
A seven-wicket win in their tournament opener against West Indies was achieved with the minimum of fuss, but success over Ireland in the following fixture came a little less easy.
That four-wicket triumph did, however, demonstrate the excellence of their spin attack, spearheaded by three wickets apiece for Sarah Glenn and Sophie Ecclestone.
And it was Glenn who took the crucial wicket of Smriti Mandhana in a heavyweight clash against India which ultimately placed England in pole position to qualify for the semi-finals as group winners – and set the side from the subcontinent on a collision course with Australia in the last four which would end in defeat.
609 – runs scored in total by England’s women
England’s tally of group-stage runs cannot be bettered by any other side in the competition, with only Pakistan’s 526 and Australia’s 522 within striking range.
Heather Knight’s side qualified for the knockout stages with the best net run-rate of all ten competing nations, and will be hoping their class carries them through the pressure-cooker environment of the competition’s final weekend towards a second global T20 title.
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England at Trent Bridge
Trent Bridge will host three international matches in 2023, with the sole Test Match of the Women’s Ashes taking place at Nottinghamshire’s historic home, before England’s men face New Zealand and Ireland in IT20 and ODI contests respectively.
Secure your seats at trentbridge.co.uk/internationals.