England Triumphs in Colombo as Sciver-Brunt Dominates with a Century
England moved to the top of the eight-team table with an 89-run victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo, a result built on Nat Sciver-Brunt’s scintillating century and Sophie Ecclestone’s spellbinding 4-17. England’s 253-9 set a demanding target, but it was Sciver-Brunt’s run-a-ball 117 that anchored the innings and allowed the middle and lower order to contribute crucial partnerships.
Sciver-Brunt’s Century: A Captivating Knock
England’s flagship batter had been carrying leadership duties and carrying the batting in this game as the rest of the top order found early rhythm elusive. Sciver-Brunt’s 117, her fifth World Cup hundred, came off 110 balls and featured a defining moment in the 14th over when she punished Inoka Ranaweera, drilling the ball to short mid-wicket but beating the fielder to set the tone for what followed. The aggression was tempered by discipline, with Sciver-Brunt rebuilding after early wickets and guiding England through a middle period that threatened to derail the innings.
A fighting partnership with Heather Knight
After the early loss of Tammy Beaumont, Sciver-Brunt found an ally in Heather Knight. The pair produced a patient 60-run stand as England consolidated, with Knight eventually falling for 29. The two combined to steady the ship and shift momentum back England’s way, allowing Sciver-Brunt to ramp up the scoring in the late overs. The captain’s final onslaught, a 49-run acceleration in the last five overs, turned potential into a competitive total that proved just out of reach for Sri Lanka’s bowlers.
Sri Lanka Batting, Battling But Short of Depth
Sri Lanka’s chase began under pressure, with captain Chamari Athapaththu retiring hurt early before returning to contribute 15. Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama offered a glimmer of hope for the co-hosts, taking the score to 95-1, but the innings unravelled as England’s bowlers tightened and the batting order failed to build substantial partnerships. Athapaththu’s return highlighted the positive signs for Sri Lanka, yet a lack of depth in the order proved costly as they were bowled out for 164 in the 46th over, Ecclestone’s deft turn and bounce proving decisive.
Ecclestone’s Spin Redefines the Result
Sophie Ecclestone bowled with control and menace, producing a spell of 4-17 that dismantled Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order. With the ball turning consistently and bouncing at key moments, Ecclestone strangled the chase and kept the scoreboard pressure on the hosts. Her early wicket tally helped England seize momentum and preserve a comfortable margin in the closing overs.
England’s Journey Through the World Cup Weave
England entered the World Cup with questions looming over workload and form after a demanding schedule. Sciver-Brunt’s dominance in this innings allayed concerns about her ability to contribute as captain, especially after returning from an Achilles injury that threatened to limit her impact with the ball. Her five World Cup hundreds are a testament to her class and resilience, and they keep England on course for a strong showing in the tournament.
Reaction and Reactions: Captains’ Reflections
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt reflected on the balance between aggression and patience: “In the start, it looked fairly easy to score. Then the spin came on, and there was a bit of inconsistency in terms of whether there was spin or bounce and just how it reacted off the wicket.” She added that batters behind her would need to form bigger partnerships in future matches to feel more comfortable.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu praised the bowling effort despite the defeat: “We bowled really well. We dropped one catch and she scored 100. Catches win matches. The next game is important for us. We have to bounce back.”
Looking Ahead: England Face Pakistan Next
With wins in three consecutive matches, England will head to Colombo again to meet Pakistan, aiming to continue their unbeaten streak. The team will hope Sciver-Brunt can continue her prolific form, while Ecclestone’s spin will be crucial in dampening the spin-friendly conditions the tournament has presented so far.
Key Data at a Glance
– England: 253-9 (Tammy Beaumont 32, Sciver-Brunt 117, Knight 29)
– Sri Lanka: 164 all out (Ecclestone 4-17)
– Result: England won by 89 runs
