England's Katherine Sciver-Brunt has announced her retirement from playing World Cups after the team's narrow six-run defeat to South Africa in the semifinals of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Sciver-Brunt, who had previously retired from the longest format of the game, had been contemplating retirement for the past two years and felt it was time to step down.
As a veteran seamer, Sciver-Brunt made her mark in World Cups, most notably in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2009 final, where she posted figures of three for six in a year that saw England claim the ODI and T20 World Cups, as well as the Ashes. She was also part of the side that won the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2017 in front of a sell-out crowd at Lord's.
Reflecting on her career, Sciver-Brunt expressed her desire to be remembered as someone who was always at the top of her game and contributed to her country's success. She also acknowledged the pressure that came with the media's scrutiny, saying, "You get all those comments and then you start to think, 'Oh, am I slowing down? Should I stop? Am I embarrassing myself?'"
Sciver-Brunt, 36, is confident that the legacy of her name will continue, with fellow England player Nat Sciver carrying on her surname. "Having my name associated with hers is also great because she's a bit of a legend in her own right now," she said.
With the end of her World Cup playing career, Sciver-Brunt will continue to be remembered as a consistent and impactful player who gave her all for her country.