‘How on earth’: England cricketer’s freak World Cup dismissal

England all-rounder Nat Sciver has fallen victim to one of cricket’s most unusual dismissals during the Women’s World Cup.

England all-rounder Nat Sciver has fallen victim to one of cricket’s most unusual dismissals during Monday’s World Cup fixture against South Africa in Mount Maunganui.

In the 12th over of England’s innings at Bay Oval, seamer Masabata Klaas delivered a short ball that Sciver looked to pull through square leg.

The ball smacked into the right-hander’s hip before ricocheting off the back of her bat and lobbing directly towards Lizelle Lee at first slip, who claimed a comfortable catch.

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It was a freak dismissal that left the commentary team in disbelief.

“I have absolutely no idea how on earth Nat Sciver has just done that,” Lancashire cricketer Alex Hartley said.

“I’m not being funny, that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen on the cricket field.”

Former England bowler Isa Guha tweeted: “Is that the most unlucky dismissal ever?”

Sciver’s dismissal left England reeling at 3/47 before opener Tammy Beaumont and wicketkeeper Amy Jones combined for a 107-run partnership to resurrect the innings.

Beaumont and Jones both scored half-centuries as England registered a respectable total of 9/235 at Bay Oval.

South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp starred with the ball, claiming career-best figures of 5/45 from 10 overs, her maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket. It was also the best bowling performance by a South African at a Women’s Cricket World Cup.

Meanwhile, Klaas finished with match figures of 2/23 from eight overs.

UM HOW?!?!?!

🤯 pic.twitter.com/U7KGZaDW7X

— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) March 14, 2022

Natalie Sciver could hardly believe her luck. Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Best bowling performances by a South African in the Women’s World Cup

5/45 – Marizanne Kapp vs ENG, 2022

5/67 – Sune Luus vs AUS, 2017

4/0 – Dane van Niekerk vs WI, 2017

4/14 – Marizanne Kapp vs WI, 2017

England ultimately lost a thriller in Mount Maunganui, with South Africa chasing the 236-run target with four deliveries to spare.

South Africa remains undefeated in the 50-over tournament, with back-toback wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh last week. Meanwhile, England is still searching for its first victory in New Zealand having already suffered defeats against Australia and the West Indies.

It’s been a tough tour for England, who failed to unearth a victory during last month’s multi-format Ashes series against Australia.

On Sunday, the Aussies secured its third straight World Cup win with a comprehensive 141-run triumph over hosts New Zealand at the Basin Reserve.

Australia will next face the West Indies in Wellington on Tuesday, with the first ball scheduled for 9am AEDT.