Nat Sciver-Brunt scripted history on Day 1 of the one-off Test between South Africa and England on December 15 as she cracked fastest century in longest format in the Women's cricket. On Day 1 of the ongoing Test between England women and South Africa women at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, she raced to her century off just 96 balls.
Nat Sciver-Brunt tonks fastest Test century in Women's cricket
Riding on this sensational feat, Nat Sciver-Brunt surpassed the previous record held by Chamani Seneviratna of Sri Lanka, who scored a 106-ball century against Pakistan in 1998. Notably, India's Shafali Verma holds the third-fastest century in Women's Test cricket, scoring a 113-ball hundred against South Africa earlier this year.
Earlier in the match, Maia Bouchier had set a new record for the fastest century by an English woman in Tests, scoring her ton off 124 balls. She surpassed the previous record held by Jan Brittin, who scored her century in 137 balls in 1984. However, Sciver-Brunt's blistering knock soon eclipsed Bouchier's achievement.
Let's have a look at the list of fastest hundreds in Women’s Tests
Nat Sciver-Brunt – 96 balls against South Africa, 2024
Chamani Seneviratna – 106 balls against Pakistan, 1998
Shafali Verma – 113 balls against South Africa, 2024
Smriti Mandhana – 122 balls against South Africa, 2024
Maia Bouchier – 124 balls against South Africa, 2024
Jan Brittin – 137 balls against South Africa, 1984
Sciver-Brunt's superlative batting show put England in a strong position in the Test match. Batting at number four, she scored a brilliant 128 runs off 145 balls, including 18 fours. She formed a crucial 174-run partnership with Bouchier. Unfortunately, Sciver-Brunt's innings was cut short by a run-out.
Later Amy Jones also contributed with a 85-ball 39 which was coupled with Sophie Ecclestone's 28-ball 21. England declared their innings at 395/9 and let South Africa batters to play at the fag end of the day. South Africa were positioned at 17 for no loss at Day 1 stumps.
