England ride Sciver-Brunt’s century to secure 89-run win over Sri Lanka
England seized control of their Women’s World Cup campaign in Colombo with Nat Sciver-Brunt delivering a masterclass and Sophie Ecclestone producing a devastating spell with the ball. England beat Sri Lanka by 89 runs to remain unbeaten as they climbed to the top of the eight-team table, one point ahead of defending champions Australia.
The visitors elected to bat first, and a key moment came early when Sri Lanka dropped Sciver-Brunt on three. The England captain made the hosts pay in ruthless fashion, finishing on 117 from 110 balls as England posted 253-9. It was Sciver-Brunt’s fifth World Cup hundred, a milestone reached with typical efficiency and powered by a measured tempo that allowed colleagues to contribute when needed.
England’s innings began with a cautious approach from openers Tammy Beaumont and Sciver-Brunt, but the middle order couldn’t quite capitalise as the scoreboard showed 179-6 after 40 overs. Heather Knight, reintroduced to the crease after a steady spell of 60 with Sciver-Brunt, played a patient hand before being dismissed for 29, signalling the innings’ wobble. Emma Lamb and Alice Capsey followed in quick succession to Inoka Ranaweera, leaving England needing a late flourish to set a defendable total.
Dean’s disciplined late over spell steadied the ship as Sciver-Brunt kept England’s momentum alive, contributing 38 with the bat and ensuring a commanding finish. A crucial 9th-wicket stand of 36 from 19 balls with Linsey Smith helped England push their total beyond the 240s, a score that proved decisive on a Colombo pitch offering help to both bat and ball.
Ecclestone’s spell with the ball was the defining moment of the match. The left-arm spinner produced 4-17, her ability to turn the ball and extract bounce repeatedly troubling the Sri Lankan batters. Her accuracy and variation – aided by a track offering turn – kept the pressure on the co-hosts throughout Sri Lanka’s innings as England tightened their grip on the game.
Sri Lanka’s reply falters as Athapaththu retires hurt and the innings folds
In reply, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu withdrew hurt early, a setback that punctured their momentum. Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama began with intent, dragging the chase to 95-1, but England’s spin and discipline soon told. Athapaththu briefly returned, but her return to the crease did not rescue the innings as Sri Lanka’s middle order collapsed under pressure.
With the top order’s progress stunted, Sri Lanka fell to 164 all out in the 46th over. Ecclestone’s left-arm darts, combined with tight seam bowling, prised out the middle and lower order, sealing England’s victory. The hosts were undone by a lack of depth in their batting line-up, a common hurdle in tight World Cup fixtures against the tournament’s strongest sides.
England head into crunch fixtures with confidence
England await their next assignment against Pakistan, also in Colombo, with a clean sheet and a sense that they’ve found a steadier rhythm at this World Cup. Sciver-Brunt’s leadership and form have been pivotal, particularly given concerns about workload ahead of the tournament. Her ability to bat through the innings and then lift the pressure with ball in hand remains a potent combination for the English side.
Speaking after the match, Sciver-Brunt acknowledged the challenge of reading the Colombo wicket and the balancing act between scoring quickly and preserving wickets. “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 said. Knight, in a recount of England’s approach, noted the importance of partnerships and continuity in performance across the innings.
From Sri Lanka’s perspective, captain Athapaththu emphasised resilience and the need to convert starts into substantial partnerships. “Catches win matches,” she reflected, underscoring how a dropped chance early in Sciver-Brunt’s innings proved a turning point, and how the team must rebound quickly for the forthcoming games.
Key players to watch
Nat Sciver-Brunt’s capacity to deliver match-defining centuries and a breakthrough spell from Sophie Ecclestone continue to define England’s World Cup campaign. As the tournament progresses toward the business end, the pair will be central to England’s hopes of defending their title and maintaining a position atop the table.
With India and Australia looming as formidable rivals, England will look to keep their streak intact, building on the momentum gained in Colombo. The 2025 edition remains wide open, but England’s blend of experience, depth, and pace at key moments suggests they remain the team to beat.
