Pat Cummins and Tammy Beaumont. (Photo Source: Twitter)
The past week witnessed some brilliant and heartwarming moments in the cricketing world. From Pat Cummins-led Australia’s thrilling victory against Ben Stokes and Co, to some thrilling scenes in the World Cup Qualifiers, to some scintillating knocks in the Women’s Ashes one-off Test, the week was a rollercoaster.
Here are the best pictures to roundoff an entertaining week in cricket
A fitting reply to Bazball
The final day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston witnessed Australia clinching a magnificent victory while riding on skipper Pat Cummins’ back. The 30-year-old played an unbeaten 44-run knock while also stitching a 55-run unbroken stand with Nathan Lyon, which took Australia one up in the five-match series. The moment was surreal, indeed, as Cummins dubbed the game as ‘number one’.
A Scottish Ending
The World Cup qualifier game between Ireland and Scotland finished on a thrilling note when Chris Sole and Michael Leask took their side home to stun the Irishmen. Chasing the 287-run total set by Ireland, Scotland found themselves in a tight position towards the death over. Eight runs were needed off the final over, and eventually two were needed off the final delivery with just one wicket in hand. Leask sent the ball towards the boundary and scored the winning runs as Scotland won the game by one wicket.
The Sikandar Raza Show
The World Cup Qualifiers saw stunning game when West Indies and Zimbabwe crossed swords. Zimbabwe, courtesy of Sikandar Raza’s all-round brilliance, clinched a 35-run victory and left the Caribbean side stunned. Raza’s 58-ball 68, followed by Ryan Burl’s 57-ball 50 helped Zimbabwe get to 268 runs. West Indies put up a tough fight, but Raza was equally good with the ball alongside other bowlers.
A Dream Debut
Playing Test cricket is something on every budding cricketer’s bucketlist. Lauren Filer made her way into England’s playing XI and saw her dream come true when she was handed the cap. But the icing on the cake was when she dismissed Australia’s destructive batter Beth Mooney to claim her maiden Test wicket. Catching a big fish, not an easy task!
A scary 99 vs a debut worth the wait
Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry looked dejected when she was dismissed on 99 on the first day of the one-off Women’s Ashes Test. Perry looked strong and was set for what would have been her third Test ton, but Lauren Filer’s brilliance saw the Aussie walking back to the pavilion on 99. While Filer and her teammates rejoiced the much needed breakthrough, Perry walked back with a heavy heart.
Need an Anchor? Annabel Sutherland to the rescue!
While Perry missed out on her century on Day 1, Annabel Sutherland left no stones unturned as she racked up 137* runs off 184 deliveries and anchored Australia’s first innings till the end. Her brilliant contribution with the bat saw Australia closing with 473 runs on the board.
A maiden five-for to lead the way!
The Australian batters did really well, but Sophie Ecclestone stole the limelight on Day 2, apparently not for the first time, as she finished with her maiden five-wicket haul. She was lauded by every individual present at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham, and her teammates made way for her to lead the team to the dugout after her remarkable innings.
England surely had a memorable outing on Day 2 of the Women’s Ashes one-off Test, as after Ecclestone’s five-wicket haul, Tammy Beaumont outperformed with the bat and notched up a magnificent century to register her name in history-books. She became only the second female cricketer from England to hit a century across all formats of the game.
Double it up please!
Notably, Beaumont did not stop on the third day, as she batted in an even better manner. Tammy Beaumont started from where she had left off on Day 2, and converted her century into a double ton, thereby notching up incredible figures of 208(331). Her wicket put curtains to England’s innings as she was the last batter to walk off, and England closed with a deficit of mere 10 runs as compared to Australia’s first innings total. Beaumont also became the first ever female cricketer from England to hit a double ton in Tests.
Not settling with just one five-for
On Day 4 of the one-off Test, Sophie Ecclestone spun a web around the Australian batters as she picked up another five-wicket haul, to eventually finish with 10 wickets to her name from the five-day game. She led the team yet again while walking back to the pavilion, and received a huge round of applause, again.
Sri Lanka’s main man
On Sunday, June 25, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga added a new feather to his cap, when he equalled Pakistani legend Waqar Younis’ record of picking up the most consecutive five-wicket hauls in the ODI format. Hasaranga, during the Lankan Lions’ campaign at the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers, picked up his third consecutive five-for by registering 6/24 (vs UAE), 5/13 (vs Oman), and 5/79 (vs Ireland).