By Zainab Shafiq 
Sophie Ecclestone has become the fastest woman to take 100 ODI wickets during England’s home series facing off Pakistan.
Before Ecclestone, who was the fastest woman to take 100 ODI wickets?
She has achieved this record in just 63 matches. England’s premier player has outperformed the previous record held by Australian Cathryn Fitzpatrick, who grabbed 64 innings to reach the same milestone. Ecclestone’s distinctive achievement was underscored by her six wickets in three matches averaging 6.83 and a strike rate of 14.17, with an outstanding economy rate of 2.89.
England triumphed in the three-match series 2-0, with the second game concluding without a result. Ecclestone’s amazing performance earned her the Player of the Series award. In the third ODI in Chelmsford on May 29, England set a tough target of 303 runs. Pakistan were bowled out for 124 runs in reply, with Ecclestone ending the match with figures of 3/15 in 4.1 overs. She bagged the pivotal wickets of Aliya Riaz, Umm-e-Hani, and Nashra Sandhu.
Expressing her pleasure at the achievement, Ecclestone stressed her enjoyment of the match and playing for England.
“The girls know I’m not good with numbers, I’m not good with stats. But it’s amazing and hopefully it can continue. I think the best thing for me is to enjoy it, and I play in the best team for enjoying it,” Ecclestone was quoted as saying by Deccan Herald.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt also impressed in the third ODI, scoring an unbeaten 124 runs off 117 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes. Batting at No. 4, Sciver-Brunt’s innings were pivotal in assisting England to reach a total of over 300 runs. Performances from Maia Bouchier, Danielle Wyatt, and Alice Capsey further supported England’s magnificent total.
Despite a lacklustre performance with the bat in the two concluded matches, England skipper Heather Knight is pleased with her team’s all-around performance in the series. Ecclestone’s achievement and Sciver-Brunt’s hundred were key highlights of England’s dominance.
Ecclestone strives to persist in her celestial performances and add to more wins for her country, reinforcing her calibre as an important player in the team.
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