Captain Heather Knight’s maiden T20I century helped England notch up a record-breaking 98-run victory over debutants Thailand on Wednesday.
Knight blasted a majestic 108 not out from 66 balls to become the fourth batter to make a hundred at the event and send records tumbling.
England’s total of 176 for two, after being sent in to bat, was their highest T20I total and Knight’s unbeaten third-wicket stand of 169 with Nat Sciver (59 not out) was the highest partnership for any wicket in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Thailand managed 78 for seven from their 20 overs, with England’s victory by 98 runs the largest winning margin at the tournament.
All this was scarcely conceivable after a remarkable start to the game when the 2009 winners were reduced to seven for two. Bot England openers were dismissed for ducks for just the second time in T20Is.
Knight has a remarkable record at Manuka Oval, with all four of her T20I 50+ scores coming in Australia’s capital, the most of any woman at a single venue in the format. Natthakan Chantham top-scored with a 53-ball 32 in the Thailand’s unsuccessful run chase.