South Africa face uphill battle after England batters shined on day 1
The opening day was marked by blistering centuries from Nat Sciver-Brunt and Maia Bouchier, with the duo putting up a strong partnership and steering England to a commanding position.
England women dominated day 1 of the historic one-off Test against South Africa in Bloemfontein, piling up a mammoth first innings total of 395/9d.
Nat Sciver-Brunt created history with the fastest-ever century in women’s Test cricket, reaching three figures off just 96 balls. This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record of 106 balls set by Chamani Seneviratna in 1998.
Her blazing knock of 128 laid the foundation for England’s massive first innings total.
Maia Bouchier also impressed with a brilliant 126 on her Test debut. The debutant’s composed knock helped dismantle the South African bowling attack, with the partnership between her and Sciver-Brunt proving crucial in setting up England's dominance.
Fastest 100 in Women's Tests
| No. | Player | Opposition | Balls Taken | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nat Sciver-Brunt (England) | South Africa | 96 | 2024 |
| 2. | Chamani Seneviratna (Sri Lanka) | Pakistan | 106 | 1998 |
| 3. | Shafali Verma (India) | South Africa | 113 | 2024 |
| 4. | Smriti Mandhana (India) | South Africa | 122 | 2024 |
| 5. | Maia Bouchier (England) | South Africa | 124 | 2024 |
A long way to go for the Proteas after England batters dominated the opening day 👊
— ICC (@ICC) December 15, 2024
📝#SAvENG: https://t.co/JgpYLtA16W pic.twitter.com/ELnqzWkFVA
Opting to bat after winning the toss, England's batters came out on the front foot, with Bouchier and Tammy Beaumont laying the foundation in a fast-paced opening stand. The team reached 50 runs in just 65 balls, thanks to their attacking approach at the top.
However, South Africa struck back as Beaumont was dismissed for 21 by Ayanda Hlubi with a short ball.
Bouchier and captain Heather Knight steadied the ship, with Bouchier bringing up her half-century off just 75 balls.
The duo of Bouchier and Sciver-Brunt put together a dominant 174-run partnership. Sciver-Brunt got to her second Test century off 96 balls, after Bouchier reached her maiden three-figure score in 124 balls.
As the new ball came into play, South Africa made a brief comeback, taking a few quick wickets in the lower order. Despite the counter-attack, England reached a declaration at 395/9. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 4/90.
At stumps on day 1, South Africa trail by a massive 378 runs, with Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch set to resume on second day’s play.