Nat Sciver’s Surrey first is a bittersweet experience

Last weekend, Surrey’s Nat Sciver became the first cricketer – male of or female – to hit a hundred for England in a World Cup final. But with Australia winning by 71 runs in Christchurch, it was bittersweet; much as it was when Sciver made an unbeaten 109 in England’s opening group game, which Australia also won, albeit narrowly.

“After the first match, getting so close, I guess the disappointment was something that stuck with me,” said Sciver, who smashed 148 not out off 121 balls in the ICC Women’s World Cup final. “Getting a century against the top-ranked team was really special as well, so it’s weird how it’s worked out, how it’s been against Australia.”

Had she not run out of partners in the final, Sciver could well have carried England to victory. But the 29-year-old admitted that chasing a target of 357 was always going to be a big ask, especially after losing skipper Heather Knight for 26 with 271 still needed and another 35 overs to go.

“When you’re chasing 350-odd, there’s only really one way you can play it,” said Sciver. “When you’re chasing, the mentality of scoring runs takes care of itself. You know that you need to be out there for a long time, but also pick up boundaries where you can.

“Luckily, that seemed to come naturally, but it just got a bit too much at the end. It was nice to end with a good score, but it would have been nicer to have the trophy.”