Women’s cricket has made remarkable strides over the years, with several iconic performances paving the way for future generations. Among the most celebrated achievements in the sport is scoring a century.
This article explores the first women to score centuries in each format of international cricket—Test, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)—along with their opponents, the year of the achievement, and the number of runs scored.
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1. Test Cricket: Betty Snowball (1935) Vs New Zealand
Test cricket, known for its endurance and skill, witnessed its first century in women’s cricket in 1935. England’s Betty Snowball etched her name in history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century.
- Player: Betty Snowball (England)
- Year: 1935
- Runs: 189
- Opponent: New Zealand
Snowball’s 189 was an incredible display of technical prowess and patience. This knock, against New Zealand, helped England dominate the match and showcased the potential of women in the longest format of the game.
2. One Day Internationals (ODIs): Lynne Thomas (1973) Vs International XI
With the launch of limited-overs cricket, the dynamics of the game changed. Lynne Thomas of England became the first woman to score a century in an ODI during the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1973.
- Player: Lynne Thomas (England)
- Year: 1973
- Runs: 134
- Opponent: International XI
Her 134-run knock came against an International XI team, setting the tone for the ODI format in women’s cricket. This milestone also helped England secure a victory, and Thomas’s aggressive batting proved pivotal in boosting the popularity of the women’s game.
3. Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): Meg Lanning (2014) Vs Ireland
T20 cricket has brought in a new level of excitement and action-packed moments. In 2014, Meg Lanning of Australia became the first woman to score a century in T20 Internationals, delivering an explosive performance against Ireland.
- Player: Meg Lanning (Australia)
- Year: 2014
- Runs: 126
- Opponent: Ireland
Lanning’s 126 off 65 balls against Ireland during the T20 World Cup was a masterclass in power-hitting and calculated risk-taking. Her century helped Australia post a formidable total and went down as a significant achievement in the shortest format of the game.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Standards
These landmark achievements by Betty Snowball, Lynne Thomas, and Meg Lanning illustrate the evolution of women’s cricket. Each of these cricketers broke barriers in their respective formats, leaving an indelible mark on the game. Their centuries not only showcased their brilliance but also set the stage for the rising standards of women’s international cricket.
Conclusion
The first centuries in women’s international cricket are remarkable achievements that will always be remembered in cricket history.
From Betty Snowball’s unforgettable Test century against New Zealand to Meg Lanning’s explosive T20 hundred against Ireland, these milestones reflect the dedication, skill, and progress of women cricketers.
As the sport continues to grow, these pioneering efforts will remain a beacon for future generations of women in cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q1: Who was the first woman to score a century in Test cricket, and against which team?
A1: The first woman to score a century in Test cricket was Betty Snowball of England in 1935, scoring 189 runs against New Zealand.
Q2: Who scored the first century in women’s ODI cricket, and who were the opponents?
A2: Lynne Thomas of England scored the first century in women’s ODI cricket in 1973, scoring 134 runs against an International XI team.
Q3: Who scored the first century in women’s T20 International cricket, and which team was the opposition?
A3: Meg Lanning of Australia scored the first century in women’s T20I cricket in 2014, hitting 126 runs against Ireland.
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