ICC Women’s World Cup 2017: Heather Knight terms Natalie Sciver ‘Ben Stokes of England’

England’s Natalie Sciver notched her maiden century off 76 deliveries against Pakistan — the fastest for her side in World Cup.

England’s Natalie Sciver lived the dream when she notched her maiden century off 76 deliveries in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 against Pakistan — the fastest for her side in tournament history. Natalie also added a 213-run stand for the third wicket with Heather Knight, who also slammed a hundred to take her side to an emphatic 107 run-victory (DLS method), in their second clash. After her remarkable performance, England skipper Knight termed Natalie ‘Ben Stokes of the team’ ENG humiliate PAK to earn first victory of WWC17

Heather and coach Mark Robbinson’s trust in Natalie showed the results against Pakistan, eventually being adjudged Player of the Match for her maiden ton, “It’s certainly the best innings of my career for England. It was a really special day and to have my family there was really good. I had been feeling pretty good all season. I had felt it was in the making. So, I just had to do the basics well,” an elated Natalie told ICC after receiving the award. Since Heather took over the role of the captain, Natalie comes to bat either at No. 4 or 5. The reason behind her promotion to the top is purely due to her performance in the Women’s Super League 2016.

Heather was in awe of her partner in crime and added, “That is probably the best innings I have seen Nat play. She was hitting the ball brilliantly as she always does. She’s one of the cleanest strikers of the ball in the world. To see her progress as a player has been really pleasing to watch. She is one of the best all-rounders. She can bowl brilliantly. We call her our Ben Stokes of the team. She is a little bit less aggressive.”