ICC Women's World Cup 2017: Road to the finals for England

England vs Australia

Katherine Brunt's all-round efforts help England register a famous World Cup victory

Two of the biggest names in the history of women's cricket, Australia and England locked horns in the most awaited clash of the ICC Women's World Cup.

The match lived up to its expectations as Heather Knight won the toss and elected to bat first at Bristol. A couple of England batters got starts, but none of them managed to score big in the high voltage clash.

After being reduced to 174 runs for the loss of six wickets, the lower order veterans of the side, Katherine Brunt and the ever reliable Jenny Gunn, forged a crucial 85 run stand for the seventh wicket. This late onslaught by the duo helped the home team post 259 runs in the first innings.

In such a closely fought contest, the momentum kept swaying from one side to another. The run chase was never going to be easy for the mighty Aussies and courtesy a tight bowling spell from Alex Hartley, the visitors fell agonisingly short by three runs.