England register record run chase to level Ashes series

England v Australia, Scorecard

Knight hit an unbeaten 75* from just 86 deliveries to help England chase down Australia's hefty total of 263/8 with 11 deliveries remaining in Bristol and level the multi-format Ashes series at 6-6 with two ODIs remaining.

It was England's highest run chase in women's ODI cricket - easily surpassing the 245 they scored to defeat New Zealand in Derby in 2021 - and the first time since February 2017 that Australia’s women’s team have lost three matches on the trot in any format.

It also means the battle for the Ashes stays alive as the series heads to Southampton for the crucial second ODI on Sunday, with a potential series decider scheduled in Taunton on July 18.

Australia only need one victory from the remaining two matches to regain the Ashes, but England have now won three games on the trot - two T20Is and the first ODI - and will be full of confidence on the back of their record run chase.

Knight paced England's chase with aplomb, with the skipper hitting six boundaries and one six in a valuable knock and combining well with Nat Sciver-Brunt (31) and Danni Wyatt (14) during the middle overs and then with Kate Cross (19) at the death to ensure the hosts triumphed.

A steady 81* from the consistent Beth Mooney had helped Australia post a good total earlier in the day, but it proved not enough as Knight's heroics ensured the race for the Ashes continued.