Pictures of the week: From Sri Lanka's one-woman army to England's Headingley heroes

Fans were awe-struck by exceptional performances on the field as the international action came thick and fast in the first week of July. While Sri Lanka and the Netherlands fought off stiff competition to seal their place in the ODI World Cup 2023, Heather Knight's team claimed the T20Is series against the Aussies. Meanwhile, another thrilling encounter in the Ashes saw England bounce back in the iconic series at Headingley. 

Here are the best pictures to roundoff an entertaining week in cricket:

Sri Lanka's captain fantastic paves the way for a historic triumph

Sri Lanka Women's skipper Chamari Athapaththu played one of the most remarkable innings by a Sri Lankan batter in the series decider against New Zealand. The batting phenomenon took apart every New Zealand bowler, smashing her way to a majestic eighty-ball 140 not out. Her belligerence saw Sri Lanka claim the series while the skipper climbed to the top of the ODI batting rankings.

Heartbreak for the hosts

In an eerie replay of the 2018 tournament, Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the World Cup 2023 after a narrow loss against Scotland in a thrilling contest. Just like in 2018, the African side needed one win from their remaining two matches to qualify for the ICC mega event. However, a heartbreaking loss to Scotland sealed their fate in the Qualifiers. 

All smiles ahead of the crucial encounter

Ahead of England's second T20I against arch-rivals Australia in the ongoing Women's Ashes 2023, skipper Heather Knight shared a light-hearted moment with her counterpart Alyssa Healy. 

Danni Wyatt leads England's charge in a thrilling victory

A sizzling batting display from England's T20 batting superstar Danni Wyatt saw the home side post a daunting total at The Oval. However, they were made to sweat for their victory after a scathing late assault from Ellyse Perry. 

Like father like son

23-year-old Bas de Leede compiled a marvellous all-around performance to seal the Netherlands' spot in the upcoming ODI World Cup hosted by India. A five-for with the ball, followed by a match-winning century against Scotland, saw the young Dutch cricketer join an elite list of players. During his glittering bowling performance, the young all-rounder replicated a celebration his father performed in the 2007 World Cup. 

Alice Capsey's carnage seals T20I series triumph for England

The iconic Lord's witnessed England Women's resounding victory in the final T20I of the Ashes, thanks to young batting superstar Alice Capsey's explosive innings. The 18-year-old batting sensation smashed 46 off just 23 deliveries to seal a memorable T20I series victory for the Women in Red. 

A comeback for the ages

Cameron Green's unfortunate injury paved the way for Mitchell Marsh's return to the Test side for the first time since 2019 as Australia took on Ben Stokes' side for the third Test in Leeds. It would be an understatement to say that Marsh made the most of his opportunity as the star all-rounder rescued Australia's first innings with a dazzling century.

Death, Taxes and Stuart Broad's Bunny

Veteran Australian opener David Warner has had a memorable career at the top level. However, the southpaw will never be fond of seeing his nemesis Stuart Broad running at him with the Dukes ball in hand as the England seamer dismissed Warner for the 16th and 17th time in the Headingley Test.

Mark Wood's electrifying pace flusters the Aussies

There is just something visceral about a fast bowler steaming in and delivering thunderbolts after thunderbolts. Australia found it out the hard way as Mark Wood dished out one of the fastest bowling displays in Ashes' illustrious history. The speedster constantly breached the 90mph hour mark, rattling the Aussies with his terrifying pace and returning with sumptuous figures of 5/34.

Relentless Sri Lanka reigns supreme 

Dasun Shanaka's men flexed their muscles in the recently concluded ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023, dispatching the Netherlands in a one-sided final. The Asian champions remained spotless in the tournament, winning all their matches to launch a strong bid for the ICC mega event later this year. 

England's Headingley heroes 

While England's Miracle Man Ben Stokes failed to replicate his heroics from 2019 at Headingley, the Three Lions unearthed two others in Mark Wood and Chris Woakes. While Wood ran riot with the ball in the first innings, his batting ability, coupled with Chris Woakes' all-round exploits revived England's Ashes hopes after a thrilling victory in Leeds.  

Harmanpreet Kaur's ruthless half-century punishes Bangladesh

India's influential skipper Harmanpreet Kaur put on a clinical batting display to make light work of Bangladesh's total in the T20I series opener in Mirpur. India, featuring a couple of new faces in their line-up, drew first blood in the series after a cosy seven-wicket victory.