England level Women’s Ashes following record ODI chase

Heather Knight has led England to their highest-ever successful run chase and brought them level with Australia in the multi-format Ashes.

In a thrilling first ODI in Bristol, Knight’s unbeaten half-century guided the hosts to a tense two-wicket victory.

Despite losing wickets regularly, Knight remained strong, scoring an unbeaten 75 off 86 deliveries. England successfully chased down Australia’s target of 263 with 11 balls to spare, marking their highest-ever successful ODI run chase.

Opener Tammy Beaumont (47 off 42) and Alice Capsey (40 off 34) provided a solid foundation for the chase, taking advantage of Australia’s wayward bowling that resulted in 23 runs from extras.

Beth Mooney top-scored for Australia with an unbeaten 81, benefiting from England’s sloppy fielding and numerous dropped catches.

The series is now tied at six points each, with two one-day internationals remaining in Southampton and Taunton.

England chase down their highest ever ODI target to beat Australia by two wickets with 11 balls to spare. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Host captain Heather Knight was invaluable with her 75*. #WomensAshes | Live, on Channel 9 & 9Now. #Ashes #TheAshes #Cricket pic.twitter.com/RzkEo54tRM

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 12, 2023

This loss marks Australia’s third consecutive defeat, a streak not seen since early 2017. England’s victory also ended Australia’s 15-game winning streak in ODI’s and was their first win in this format against the reigning world champions since October 2017.

For England to regain the Ashes, they must win both remaining ODIs. However, both teams now face the same challenge of winning the series outright, with the tourists needing just one victory to retain the trophy.

Similar to the thrilling finishes in the T20 leg of the Ashes, England’s breakthrough win was filled with nervous moments. When captain Knight and her deputy Natalie Sciver-Brunt were at the crease with the score at 3-163, England seemed comfortable. However, Australia’s spinners fought back, causing England to lose five wickets for 72 runs.

The Aussies are two wickets away from retaining the Ashes!! ⚱️

Spin does the trick again and Gardner has three wickets. 👌#WomensAshes | Live, on Channel 9 & 9Now.#Ashes #TheAshes #Cricket pic.twitter.com/UiQxWzUuxm

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 12, 2023

With only two wickets remaining and needing 29 runs from 39 balls, Kate Cross (19 not out off 20) hit two crucial boundaries to relieve the pressure. Knight then hit a six to reduce the equation to 12 runs off 24 balls. Cross continued to defy her tailender status, hitting two more fours before Knight sealed the famous victory.

Both teams will now move to Southampton for the second ODI at the Rose Bowl, scheduled for Sunday.

Women’s Ashes 2023 2nd ODI

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