Lynne Thomas scored first century in Women's World Cup (Source: @PictureSporting/x.com)
Cricket is built on thrills, grit, and hard work, but it’s the remarkable milestones that truly crown its legends. While men’s cricket has long held the spotlight, women’s cricket is blazing its own trail, carving legacies that shine just as bright.
Despite Women’s cricket being tilted head later in the cricket world late but the women stars proved they are not behind in the male cricket’s glory. The inauguration of the Women’s World Cup in 1973 marked the dawn of a new era, where female cricketers began carving their own legendary paths.
Since the first edition, marquee tournaments arrived on the big stage, welcoming some new superstars. And while centuries have always been cricket’s most treasured milestone, one question stands tall: who etched history as the first woman to reach three figures? Let’s explore the legend.
Lynne Thomas – the first female centurion of World Cup
Cricket world witnessed several heroes since the birth of the game but some of the women stars has proved all heroes doesn’t need to be men always. After first official women’s cricket match recorded in 1745, it took centuries to witness the first World Cup of Women’s. Struggle, grit, sportsmanship and an indomitable spirit pushed the women’s cricket to conquer the global stage.
In 1973, Women’s World Cup’s inauguration was a revolutionary step. After that, the sport never looked back as the women cricketers took the game into another level. In the inaugural edition, six teams participated along with a team named international XI. in that season, the England Women’s performance grabbed the attention.
Representing the team, top order batter Lynne Thomas showcased her exceptional fan. As Women’s cricket was bloomed a few years ago, they were still waiting for the centurion. But the marquee event ended the wait as they found their first centurion in one of the matches.
Facing England Women in the third group stage match, they batted first and Lynne Thomas and Enid Bakewell came to open the innings and a historic moment was waiting round the corner. Her blade turned the day into a landmark moment as she powered her way to a sublime century, etching her name in women’s cricket history.
Touching the magical three year mark, she played a brilliant knock of 134 runs with six boundaries. In that very moment, the Women’s World Cup embraced its first-ever centurion, as Lynne Thomas etched her name into history with a knock that still echoes through time.
England Women storm to a commanding victory
In the exciting clash against the International XI, England Women showcased their exceptional form. After Thomas smashed a brilliant knock, Enid Bakewell raised her bat on high with an exceptional century. With that absolute brilliance, they put on a total of 258 runs on the board.
While defending the total, the English bowlers brought storm on the ground. Leading the charge, Lesley Bakewell secured three wicket while conceding just 19 runs in 13 overs. As the other bowlers kept the domination alive, England Women pulled off a massive 135-run victory.
