England booked their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup final with a commanding 40-run victory over South Africa at The Oval on Thursday, powered by a captain’s performance from Nat Sciver-Brunt. Returning from a calf injury, England skipper Sciver-Brunt produced a brilliant 75 to rescue her side after a shaky start that saw them slump to 23/3 inside the first four overs. The hosts had been in danger of another knockout collapse before a match-defining partnership changed the momentum.&nbsp;Heather Knight, England’s former captain, added a valuable 58 as the pair rebuilt the innings with a 133-run stand for the fourth wicket. Their efforts lifted England to 169/5 in front of a crowd exceeding 21,000. England now face Australia in Sunday’s final at Lord’s, with both teams unbeaten in the tournament so far. South Africa’s chase of 170 started with intent but quickly unravelled under pressure from England’s bowling attack. The Proteas eventually finished on 129/8, falling well short of the target.&nbsp;Speaking after the match, Sciver-Brunt admitted to early nerves but praised the team’s composure under pressure. "I was probably nervous, the occasion gets quite big as well and so that increased the nerves," said Sciver-Brunt, the player of the match, at the presentation ceremony. “I missed a few games (with my injury). There was a lot of emotion pre-game.” Reflecting on the partnership with Knight, she added, "Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail are world-class opening bowlers who can do some damage. So Heather and I wanted to nullify the threat and make sure we were in and able to capitalise on other bowlers. We used our experience, got out heads together and got the job done.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-mikel-oyarzabal-fires-spain-into-last-16-register-3-0-win-over-austria-1783026162101">FIFA World Cup 2026: Mikel Oyarzabal fires Spain into last 16, register 3-0 win over Austria</a>&nbsp;"We showed composure. We could have tried to go harder earlier and it might not have worked out, so we were really smart."South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp took 1-16, while Shabnim Ismail finished with 2-31, but support bowling proved costly as England capitalised. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt admitted her team were second best on the day. "We were happy with 170, which we thought was par. They bowled well, had good plans and we weren't able to step up."&nbsp;Earlier, South Africa made a dream start by removing three England batters inside four overs. Ismail struck with her very first delivery, dismissing Amy Jones. Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who had been in outstanding form earlier in the tournament, was bowled for 12 by Kapp’s clever slower ball, before Alice Capsey fell lbw to Ismail. England’s recovery was driven by Sciver-Brunt and Knight, who took control of the innings. Sciver-Brunt reached her half-century in style, while Knight struck a powerful six on her way to a 42-ball fifty.&nbsp;Both batters were dismissed late in the innings, but the foundation had already been laid for a strong total. South Africa’s reply began steadily but collapsed after key breakthroughs, including the dismissal of captain Wolvaardt, brilliantly caught by Sophie Ecclestone. Marizanne Kapp also fell cheaply, and despite a fighting fifty from Tazmin Brits, the chase never gained momentum.England will now face defending champions Australia, who secured their place in the final with a dominant win over West Indies in the first semi-final.

Nat Sciver-Brunt starred with 75 as England beat South Africa by 40 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final to reach the final against Australia

England booked their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup final with a commanding 40-run victory over South Africa at The Oval on Thursday, powered by a captain’s performance from Nat Sciver-Brunt. Returning from a calf injury, England skipper Sciver-Brunt produced a brilliant 75 to rescue her side after a shaky start that saw them slump to 23/3 inside the first four overs. The hosts had been in danger of another knockout collapse before a match-defining partnership changed the momentum. Heather Knight, England’s former captain, added a valuable 58 as the pair rebuilt the innings with a 133-run stand for the fourth wicket. Their efforts lifted England to 169/5 in front of a crowd exceeding 21,000. England now face Australia in Sunday’s final at Lord’s, with both teams unbeaten in the tournament so far. South Africa’s chase of 170 started with intent but quickly unravelled under pressure from England’s bowling attack. The Proteas eventually finished on 129/8, falling well short of the target. Speaking after the match, Sciver-Brunt admitted to early nerves but praised the team’s composure under pressure. "I was probably nervous, the occasion gets quite big as well and so that increased the nerves," said Sciver-Brunt, the player of the match, at the presentation ceremony. “I missed a few games (with my injury). There was a lot of emotion pre-game.” Reflecting on the partnership with Knight, she added, "Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail are world-class opening bowlers who can do some damage. So Heather and I wanted to nullify the threat and make sure we were in and able to capitalise on other bowlers. We used our experience, got out heads together and got the job done. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Mikel Oyarzabal fires Spain into last 16, register 3-0 win over Austria "We showed composure. We could have tried to go harder earlier and it might not have worked out, so we were really smart." South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp took 1-16, while Shabnim Ismail finished with 2-31, but support bowling proved costly as England capitalised. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt admitted her team were second best on the day. "We were happy with 170, which we thought was par. They bowled well, had good plans and we weren't able to step up." Earlier, South Africa made a dream start by removing three England batters inside four overs. Ismail struck with her very first delivery, dismissing Amy Jones. Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who had been in outstanding form earlier in the tournament, was bowled for 12 by Kapp’s clever slower ball, before Alice Capsey fell lbw to Ismail. England’s recovery was driven by Sciver-Brunt and Knight, who took control of the innings. Sciver-Brunt reached her half-century in style, while Knight struck a powerful six on her way to a 42-ball fifty. Both batters were dismissed late in the innings, but the foundation had already been laid for a strong total. South Africa’s reply began steadily but collapsed after key breakthroughs, including the dismissal of captain Wolvaardt, brilliantly caught by Sophie Ecclestone. Marizanne Kapp also fell cheaply, and despite a fighting fifty from Tazmin Brits, the chase never gained momentum. England will now face defending champions Australia, who secured their place in the final with a dominant win over West Indies in the first semi-final.

Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 75 led England to a 40-run win over South Africa, booking a ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final against Australia at the Lord’s

England storm into ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final after Nat Sciver-Brunt masterclass

From Hayley Matthews to Amelia Kerr, here's a look at the top five bowlers with most wickets in Women's Premier League. This list also includes Sophie Ecclestone, Marizanne Kapp and Nat Sciver-Brunt

From Hayley Matthews to Amelia Kerr, here's a look at the top five bowlers with most wickets in Women's Premier League. This list also includes Sophie Ecclestone, Marizanne Kapp and Nat Sciver-Brunt

Meet top 5 bowlers with most wickets in Women's Premier League

From Smriti Mandhana to Nat Sciver-Brunt, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in Women's Premier League. This list also includes Meg Lanning, Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma

From Smriti Mandhana to Nat Sciver-Brunt, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in Women's Premier League. This list also includes Meg Lanning, Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma

Meet top 5 batters with most runs in Women's Premier League

From Harmanpreet Kaur to Lizelle Lee, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in Women's Premier League 2026. This list also includes Smriti Mandhana, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Laura Wolvaardt

From Harmanpreet Kaur to Lizelle Lee, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in Women's Premier League 2026. This list also includes Smriti Mandhana, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Laura Wolvaardt

Meet top 5 batters with most runs in Women's Premier League 2026

Nat Sciver-Brunt carved her name in golden letters in WPL history by becoming the first player to score a century in the tournament. The Mumbai Indians star achieved the landmark against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Monday (Jan 26), ending the long wait for a three-figure score in the league. Her knock came at a crucial stage of the season with the race for playoffs heating up. Sciver-Brunt showed great composure and class, finding gaps with ease and punishing loose deliveries.&nbsp;&nbsp;She smashed 16 fours and one six, scoring at a strike rate of 175 to complete her maiden WPL hundred. Her innings came at a crucial stage with the playoff race heating up. Sciver-Brunt also stitched a match-defining 131-run partnership with Hayley Matthews, which put MI firmly in control and powered them to a strong total of 199 for four.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The moment 📸 The ball 💯 The celebration 🥳 Natalie Sciver-Brunt, forever etched in the history books 🫡 Updates ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/yUHXkzVIZw">https://t.co/yUHXkzVIZw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAWPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAWPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KhelEmotionKa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KhelEmotionKa</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvMI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a> <a href="https://t.co/i2xECl5jyB">pic.twitter.com/i2xECl5jyB</a>&mdash; Women&#39;s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) <a href="https://twitter.com/wplt20/status/2015814208643055841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-top-5-batters-with-fastest-fifties-in-t20-world-cup-1769428494290">Meet top 5 batters with fastest fifties in T20 World Cup</a>&nbsp;Before this innings, the WPL had seen several near-misses. Georgia Voll and Sophie Devine had both been dismissed on 99, while RCB captain Smriti Mandhana had earlier fallen for 96 this season. Sciver-Brunt finally broke that barrier, giving the league its first-ever century and creating a landmark moment in its history.&nbsp;This knock also strengthened her place as the leading run-scorer in WPL history. With over 1300 runs in just 35 innings, an average above 50, and a strike rate close to 145, she continues to be Mumbai’s most dependable batter across seasons.&nbsp;Mumbai’s total of 199 for four put them in a strong position in a crucial game for playoff qualification. The innings reflected their clarity in planning and execution, especially in the middle and death overs.&nbsp;For RCB, it was a difficult night with the ball. They struggled to control the scoring once the Sciver-Brunt and Matthews partnership took off and will look to regroup quickly as the tournament moves into its decisive phase.

Nat Sciver-Brunt made history by scoring the first century in WPL, smashing 16 fours and a six as Mumbai Indians posted 199/4 against RCB, boosting their playoff hopes.

Nat Sciver-Brunt carved her name in golden letters in WPL history by becoming the first player to score a century in the tournament. The Mumbai Indians star achieved the landmark against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Monday (Jan 26), ending the long wait for a three-figure score in the league. Her knock came at a crucial stage of the season with the race for playoffs heating up. Sciver-Brunt showed great composure and class, finding gaps with ease and punishing loose deliveries. She smashed 16 fours and one six, scoring at a strike rate of 175 to complete her maiden WPL hundred. Her innings came at a crucial stage with the playoff race heating up. Sciver-Brunt also stitched a match-defining 131-run partnership with Hayley Matthews, which put MI firmly in control and powered them to a strong total of 199 for four.

Nat Sciver-Brunt made history by scoring the first century in WPL, smashing 16 fours and a six as Mumbai Indians posted 199/4 against RCB, boosting their playoff hopes.

Nat Sciver-Brunt becomes first batter to score WPL hundred

From Nat Sciver-Brunt to Harmanpreet Kaur here is a look at five batters with most runs in WPL history. The honorary list also features, Australia’s Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and India’s Shafali Verma. 

From Nat Sciver-Brunt to Harmanpreet Kaur here is a look at five batters with most runs in WPL history. The honorary list also features, Australia’s Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and India’s Shafali Verma.&nbsp;

Nat Sciver-Brunt to Harmanpreet Kaur, 5 batters with most runs in WPL history

From Hayley Matthews to Amelia Kerr, here's a look at the top five bowlers with most wickets in Women's Premier League. This list also includes Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Jonassen and Nat Sciver-Brunt

From Hayley Matthews to Amelia Kerr, here's a look at the top five bowlers with most wickets in Women's Premier League. This list also includes Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Jonassen and Nat Sciver-Brunt

The Women's Premier League (WPL) franchises have announced the list of their retained players ahead of the upcoming mega auction. Lets have a look at the top five highest-paid players in retention list

The Women's Premier League (WPL) franchises have announced the list of their retained players ahead of the upcoming mega auction. Lets have a look at the top five highest-paid players in retention list

WPL retention list: Top 5 highest-paid players, check who tops the list

From Nat Sciver-Brunt to Smriti Mandhana, here's a look at the top five batters with most centuries in WODIs. This list also includes Meg Lanning, Suzie Bates and Tammy Beaumont

From Nat Sciver-Brunt to Smriti Mandhana, here's a look at the top five batters with most centuries in WODIs. This list also includes Meg Lanning, Suzie Bates and Tammy Beaumont

From Nat Sciver-Brunt to Smriti Mandhana, 5 batters with most centuries in WODIs

England strengthened their place at the top of the points table with a 89-run win over Sri Lanka in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 on Saturday (Oct 11) at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Batting first, England set a target of 254 runs. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (117) led from the front with a record fifth Women's World Cup century and guided her team to a competitive total. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 164. Hasini Perera (35) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (33) were the top run- scorers for the hosts. For England, Sophie Ecclestone (4/17) shone with the ball, taking four key wickets, while Charlotte Dean (2/47) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/25) also took two wickets each.&nbsp;&nbsp;With this defeat, Sri Lanka slipped to seventh place in the standings, while England secured the top spot with their third straight win in the tournament.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indw-vs-ausw-icc-womens-world-cup-2025-live-streaming-and-weather-forecast-when-and-where-to-watch-live-in-india-1760178521617">IND-W vs AUS-W, ICC Women's World Cup 2025, live streaming and weather forecast: When and where to watch live in India</a><h2>What happened in the match?</h2>After losing the toss, England Women were asked to bat first. Their innings started very poorly as batters struggled to find momentum throughout their innings. However, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (117) played a brilliant knock, hitting her fifth century in the Women’s World Cup and helped his team to reach a fighting total of 253 runs.&nbsp;Opener Tammy Beaumont made 32 before being dismissed by Sugandika Kumari, while Heather Knight added 29 but was caught by Dewmi Vihanga. Later, skipper Sciver-Brunt steadied the innings with her outstanding hundred. For Sri Lanka, Inoka Ranaweera was the pick of the bowlers with three important wickets for 33 runs. Udeshika Prabodhani (2/55) and Sugandika Kumari (2/66) also took two wickets each.&nbsp;Chasing 254, Sri Lanka women were bundled out for 164 runs, as none of their batters managed to score runs, apart from Hasini Perera (35) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (33). For England, Sophie Ecclestone shone with the ball, taking four important wickets for just 17 runs. Charlotte Dean (2/47) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/25) also made key contributions. England will now look to carry this momentum into their next ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 matches.&nbsp;<h2>Updated Points Table, ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>Teams</th><th>M</th><th>W</th><th>L</th><th>Tied</th><th>NR</th><th>Points</th><th>NRR</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">England Women</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">3</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">3</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">0</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">0</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">0</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">6</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">+1.864</td></tr><tr><td>Australia Women</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>5</td><td>+1.960</td></tr><tr><td>India Women</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>4</td><td>+0.953</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">South Africa Women</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">3</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">1</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">0</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">0</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">4</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">-0.888</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">New Zealand Women</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">3</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">1</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">0</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">0</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">-0.245</td></tr><tr><td>Bangladesh Women</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>-0.357</td></tr><tr><td>Sri Lanka Women</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>-1.515</td></tr><tr><td>Pakistan Women</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>-1.887</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

With this defeat, Sri Lanka slipped to seventh place in the standings, while England secured the top spot with their third straight win in the tournament.

England strengthened their place at the top of the points table with a 89-run win over Sri Lanka in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 on Saturday (Oct 11) at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Batting first, England set a target of 254 runs. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (117) led from the front with a record fifth Women's World Cup century and guided her team to a competitive total. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 164. Hasini Perera (35) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (33) were the top run- scorers for the hosts. For England, Sophie Ecclestone (4/17) shone with the ball, taking four key wickets, while Charlotte Dean (2/47) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/25) also took two wickets each. With this defeat, Sri Lanka slipped to seventh place in the standings, while England secured the top spot with their third straight win in the tournament. Also Read - IND-W vs AUS-W, ICC Women's World Cup 2025, live streaming and weather forecast: When and where to watch live in India What happened in the match? After losing the toss, England Women were asked to bat first. Their innings started very poorly as batters struggled to find momentum throughout their innings. However, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (117) played a brilliant knock, hitting her fifth century in the Women’s World Cup and helped his team to reach a fighting total of 253 runs. Opener Tammy Beaumont made 32 before being dismissed by Sugandika Kumari, while Heather Knight added 29 but was caught by Dewmi Vihanga. Later, skipper Sciver-Brunt steadied the innings with her outstanding hundred. For Sri Lanka, Inoka Ranaweera was the pick of the bowlers with three important wickets for 33 runs. Udeshika Prabodhani (2/55) and Sugandika Kumari (2/66) also took two wickets each. Chasing 254, Sri Lanka women were bundled out for 164 runs, as none of their batters managed to score runs, apart from Hasini Perera (35) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (33). For England, Sophie Ecclestone shone with the ball, taking four important wickets for just 17 runs. Charlotte Dean (2/47) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/25) also made key contributions. England will now look to carry this momentum into their next ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 matches. Updated Points Table, ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025

With this defeat, Sri Lanka slipped to seventh place in the standings, while England secured the top spot with their third straight win in the tournament.

ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone shine as England beat Sri Lanka by 89 runs

From Smriti Mandhana to Tazmin Brits, here's a look at the top five batters in latest ICC Women's ODI rankings 2025. This list also includes Nat Sciver-Brunt, Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner

From Smriti Mandhana to Tazmin Brits, here's a look at the top five batters in latest ICC Women's ODI rankings 2025. This list also includes Nat Sciver-Brunt, Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner

From Smriti Mandhana to Tazmin Brits, top 5 batters in latest ICC Women's ODI rankings 2025

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/nat-sciver-brunt" rel="dofollow">Nat Sciver-Brunt</a> has been appointed the new captain of the England women's side. She replaces <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/heather-knight">Heather Knight</a>, who stepped down after England's 2025 women's Ashes series following a near nine-year stint.
She will captain all three formats in tandem with newly appointed head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/charlotte-edwards" rel="dofollow">Charlotte Edwards</a>.
"I'm really proud to take on the role of captain of the England Women's team and it's an honour to have been asked by Charlotte, someone I&rsquo;ve always looked up to. Ever since I made my England debut back in 2013, all I have wanted to do is help the team in every way that I can. I will try my best to lead this team to success, whilst empowering them to be the best version of themselves," she said.
The 32-year-old has been a regular member of England's side since her debut in 2013 and is considered one of the most talented cricketers in the world.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ipl-2025-sanjiv-goenka-shares-photo-of-6-year-old-vaibhav-suryavanshi-cheering-for-his-ex-ipl-team-picture-goes-viral-9014834">IPL 2025: Sanjiv Goenka shares photo of 6-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi cheering for his ex-IPL team-Picture goes viral</a>
Sciver-Brunt boasts an impressive list of honors, such as being ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year in 2022 and 2023. In 2017 and 2022, she was also PCA Women's Player of the Year, as well as being selected in the ICC Women's ODI and T20 Teams of the Year in 2023.
Currently ranked number three in ICC world batting in ODI cricket, Sciver-Brunt has been vice-captain for the last three years.
Sciver-Brunt first captained her nation in international cricket during the third T20I match against New Zealand in 2021 and also led for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
<h2>'It's exciting to be working with Charlotte'</h2>
"We have a really talented group, and we have a group that's united. It's a team I believe in and a team that can have a lot of success together. It's hugely exciting to be working with Charlotte having had the pleasure of working with her in the last three years at Mumbai Indians. Her love of cricket and passion for the England Women&rsquo;s team is inspiring and I&rsquo;m excited to see where this partnership leads us," she added.
Sciver-Brunt was a member of the England side that won the 2017 World Cup and has so far played 259 matches for England in all formats.&nbsp;She has an average of 46.47 in Tests, 45.91 in ODIs and 28.45 in T20Is, while also bagging 181 international wickets.
Sciver-Brunt most recently ended the 2025 Women's Premier League in India with 523 runs and became the first player to finish with over 500 runs for a season. She also became the first-ever player to notch 1,000 runs for the WPL.
Clare Connor, Managing Director of England Women&rsquo;s Cricket, said &ldquo;We are delighted to have appointed Nat as England Women&rsquo;s captain and I know she's excited about the honour of leading the team during an unprecedented chapter in international women&rsquo;s cricket.
"Everyone knows what a fantastic cricketer Nat is, but her qualities extend far beyond her skills on the pitch. She&rsquo;s thoughtful, resilient and driven by getting the best out of herself and everyone around her. Nat is immensely well-respected in the group and I know she will form an exciting and fruitful partnership with Charlotte."
England Women kick off their 2025 home summer on May 21 against the West Indies, with three Metro Bank One-Day Internationals and three Vitality T20Is.
They then hosty India where they will host five Vitality T20Is and three Metro Bank One Day Internationals.

India News, Sports: Nat has been an integral part of England’s set-up since making her debut in 2013 and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most gifted cricketers

Nat Sciver-Brunt has been appointed the new captain of the England women's side. She replaces Heather Knight, who stepped down after England's 2025 women's Ashes series following a near nine-year stint. She will captain all three formats in tandem with newly appointed head coach Charlotte Edwards. "I'm really proud to take on the role of captain of the England Women's team and it's an honour to have been asked by Charlotte, someone I’ve always looked up to. Ever since I made my England debut back in 2013, all I have wanted to do is help the team in every way that I can. I will try my best to lead this team to success, whilst empowering them to be the best version of themselves," she said. The 32-year-old has been a regular member of England's side since her debut in 2013 and is considered one of the most talented cricketers in the world. Also Read: IPL 2025: Sanjiv Goenka shares photo of 6-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi cheering for his ex-IPL team-Picture goes viral Sciver-Brunt boasts an impressive list of honors, such as being ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year in 2022 and 2023. In 2017 and 2022, she was also PCA Women's Player of the Year, as well as being selected in the ICC Women's ODI and T20 Teams of the Year in 2023. Currently ranked number three in ICC world batting in ODI cricket, Sciver-Brunt has been vice-captain for the last three years. Sciver-Brunt first captained her nation in international cricket during the third T20I match against New Zealand in 2021 and also led for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. 'It's exciting to be working with Charlotte' "We have a really talented group, and we have a group that's united. It's a team I believe in and a team that can have a lot of success together. It's hugely exciting to be working with Charlotte having had the pleasure of working with her in the last three years at Mumbai Indians. Her love of cricket and passion for the England Women’s team is inspiring and I’m excited to see where this partnership leads us," she added. Sciver-Brunt was a member of the England side that won the 2017 World Cup and has so far played 259 matches for England in all formats. She has an average of 46.47 in Tests, 45.91 in ODIs and 28.45 in T20Is, while also bagging 181 international wickets. Sciver-Brunt most recently ended the 2025 Women's Premier League in India with 523 runs and became the first player to finish with over 500 runs for a season. She also became the first-ever player to notch 1,000 runs for the WPL. Clare Connor, Managing Director of England Women’s Cricket, said “We are delighted to have appointed Nat as England Women’s captain and I know she's excited about the honour of leading the team during an unprecedented chapter in international women’s cricket. "Everyone knows what a fantastic cricketer Nat is, but her qualities extend far beyond her skills on the pitch. She’s thoughtful, resilient and driven by getting the best out of herself and everyone around her. Nat is immensely well-respected in the group and I know she will form an exciting and fruitful partnership with Charlotte." England Women kick off their 2025 home summer on May 21 against the West Indies, with three Metro Bank One-Day Internationals and three Vitality T20Is. They then hosty India where they will host five Vitality T20Is and three Metro Bank One Day Internationals.

Nat Sciver-Brunt appointed England women's captain across all formats

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews smashed commanding fifties after a superb bowling effort as the Mumbai Indians hammered UP Warriorz by eight wickets in their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/womens-premier-league">Women's Premier League</a> match here on Wednesday.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/nat-sciver-brunt">Sciver-Brunt</a> continued her sensational form, finishing with figures of 3/18 as MI restricted UPW to 142/9 after opting to bowl first.
The England all-rounder then played a match-winning knock of 75 not out off 44 balls, including 13 fours, forming an 82-ball 133-run second-wicket partnership with Matthews (59 off 50 balls) to guide MI to victory in just 17 overs.
MI's third consecutive win propelled them to the top of the standings with six points, while UPW remained in fourth place after their fourth loss in six encounters with MI.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-ibrahims-177-helps-afghanistan-knock-out-england-8759862">Champions Trophy 2025: Ibrahim's 177 helps Afghanistan show England the door</a>
MI's chase started quietly, with Matthews being dropped by Ecclestone early. After seven dot balls, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yastika-bhatia">Yastika Bhatia</a> was dismissed off Deepti Sharma's bowling, leaving MI at 6/1 in the 4th over. Matthews then responded with a four and a six, before Sciver-Brunt took charge, smashing three consecutive fours off Saima Thakor in a 15-run over, as MI ended the power play at 33/1.
Sciver-Brunt continued her explosive hitting, striking consecutive fours off Chinelle Henry in a 13-run over. Ecclestone came next, and the England batter blasted three more fours in the 13th over to bring up her fifty off just 29 balls.
In the 16th over, Matthews joined the fun, smashing a six off Grace Harris before adding two more fours in a 22-run over. She too brought up her fifty off 45 balls.
Although Matthews was dismissed by Ecclestone in the 17th over, the damage had already been done, and MI reached the target with ease. Earlier, UPW had made a solid start as Harris, opening the innings, struck six fours and two sixes in a fiery knock. She added 79 runs for the second wicket with Vrinda Dinesh (33), but UPW suffered an inexplicable collapse, losing four wickets for just 12 runs and never recovered.
Sciver-Brunt was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while spinner Sanskriti Gupta (2/11) played a key role with a twin strike. Shabnim Ismail (2/33) also chipped in with two wickets, and Amelia Kerr (1/24) and Hayley Matthews (1/38) claimed one wicket each.
UPW lost Kiran Navgire early, but Harris's aggressive stroke play, particularly against Ismail and Matthews, kept the pressure on MI. Vrinda also found her rhythm, hitting Sciver-Brunt for two fours and driving Ismail to the ropes.
However, the momentum shifted when Amelia Kerr removed Harris in the 10th over, sparking a collapse. UPW lost three more wickets, including that of captain Deepti Sharma, in quick succession.
After Grace's departure, Gupta struck twice, dismissing Vrinda and Tahila McGrath in consecutive balls, while Matthews accounted for Deepti in the 12th over, leaving UPW reeling at 93/5.
Sciver-Brunt then cleaned up the lower order, dismissing Shweta Sehrawat (19) and Henry (7) as UPW lost their way.

Sports, Cricket: Sciver-Brunt continued her sensational form, finishing with figures of 3/18 as MI restricted UPW to 142/9 after opting to bowl first

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews smashed commanding fifties after a superb bowling effort as the Mumbai Indians hammered UP Warriorz by eight wickets in their Women's Premier League match here on Wednesday. Sciver-Brunt continued her sensational form, finishing with figures of 3/18 as MI restricted UPW to 142/9 after opting to bowl first. The England all-rounder then played a match-winning knock of 75 not out off 44 balls, including 13 fours, forming an 82-ball 133-run second-wicket partnership with Matthews (59 off 50 balls) to guide MI to victory in just 17 overs. MI's third consecutive win propelled them to the top of the standings with six points, while UPW remained in fourth place after their fourth loss in six encounters with MI. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Ibrahim's 177 helps Afghanistan show England the door MI's chase started quietly, with Matthews being dropped by Ecclestone early. After seven dot balls, Yastika Bhatia was dismissed off Deepti Sharma's bowling, leaving MI at 6/1 in the 4th over. Matthews then responded with a four and a six, before Sciver-Brunt took charge, smashing three consecutive fours off Saima Thakor in a 15-run over, as MI ended the power play at 33/1. Sciver-Brunt continued her explosive hitting, striking consecutive fours off Chinelle Henry in a 13-run over. Ecclestone came next, and the England batter blasted three more fours in the 13th over to bring up her fifty off just 29 balls. In the 16th over, Matthews joined the fun, smashing a six off Grace Harris before adding two more fours in a 22-run over. She too brought up her fifty off 45 balls. Although Matthews was dismissed by Ecclestone in the 17th over, the damage had already been done, and MI reached the target with ease. Earlier, UPW had made a solid start as Harris, opening the innings, struck six fours and two sixes in a fiery knock. She added 79 runs for the second wicket with Vrinda Dinesh (33), but UPW suffered an inexplicable collapse, losing four wickets for just 12 runs and never recovered. Sciver-Brunt was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while spinner Sanskriti Gupta (2/11) played a key role with a twin strike. Shabnim Ismail (2/33) also chipped in with two wickets, and Amelia Kerr (1/24) and Hayley Matthews (1/38) claimed one wicket each. UPW lost Kiran Navgire early, but Harris's aggressive stroke play, particularly against Ismail and Matthews, kept the pressure on MI. Vrinda also found her rhythm, hitting Sciver-Brunt for two fours and driving Ismail to the ropes. However, the momentum shifted when Amelia Kerr removed Harris in the 10th over, sparking a collapse. UPW lost three more wickets, including that of captain Deepti Sharma, in quick succession. After Grace's departure, Gupta struck twice, dismissing Vrinda and Tahila McGrath in consecutive balls, while Matthews accounted for Deepti in the 12th over, leaving UPW reeling at 93/5. Sciver-Brunt then cleaned up the lower order, dismissing Shweta Sehrawat (19) and Henry (7) as UPW lost their way.

WPL 2025: Sciver-Brunt's all-round show, Matthews' fifty power MI to eight-wicket win over UPW

England women’s team all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt revealed the reason behind missing the first T20I against Pakistan, saying she underwent an egg-freezing procedure in hopes of extending the family with wife, Katherine Sciver-Brunt.

England women’s team all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt revealed the reason behind missing the first T20I against Pakistan, saying she underwent an egg-freezing procedure in hopes of extending the family with wife, Katherine Sciver-Brunt. After she remained unavailable for selection for the Edgbaston game the past weekend for a ‘minor medical procedure’, as described by the team, Nat spoke publically about the process during a conversation on the PCA's Under The Lid podcast. Nat said between the two tours (New Zealand and Pakistan), she and Katherine decided to start a family, for which she underwent this procedure. Nat added she also wanted to continue playing cricket and feels lucky that they have more than one option to go about both things, as the couple wish to carry and raise the child. "In the period between getting back from New Zealand [where England toured in April] and this [series], I thought it was a great time to go through the egg-freezing process, creating embryos and putting them in the freezer for future use," Nat said. "Katherine and myself would love to start a family, but I'd also like to continue playing cricket. We are lucky in that there are more options than one. We're just working out the best way for us to go about it. I'd like to carry a baby when I finish playing cricket, and I think Katherine wants to carry a baby as well,” she said. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: ‘I am not a result–oriented captain’ – Pandya reflects on debut stint as MI skipper Nat added that England's sports science and medical department was supportive throughout, helping them with the egg-freezing procedure and returning to cricket in a smooth transition. "England have been really good. The sports science and medical departments are really supportive and have helped me along the way, making sure coming back to cricket has been smooth. After the procedure you're wiped out for quite a few days,” she added. On missing the first game, Nat said she was training, so wasn’t ready completely, but she will return to playing XI for the second game on Friday (May 17) in Nottingham. “I'd only just started back to exercise, so wasn't quite ready [to play],” Nat said. Family planning Nat’s partner Katherine said had Nat been 24, she would have had a child and come back and play, but at this age, it’s different. "If Nat was 24 she might want to have a child, then come back and play. At 31, it's on the verge," Katherine said. "Freezing the eggs now and having healthy eggs to come back to - it's great to be able to have that choice because it's not cheap and very invasive." (With inputs from agencies)

England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt undergoes egg-freezing procedure to extend family with wife Katherine

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England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt undergoes egg-freezing procedure to extend family with wife Katherine