England won the Women’s World Cup match against Sri Lanka by 89 runs on Saturday in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This was courtesy to captain Nat Sciver-Brunt’s record fifth World Cup century and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone’s amazing bowling. This win gives England three in a row and puts them at the top of the eight-team rankings with six points, ahead of defending champions Australia (five).
Sciver-Brunt led the way with a stunning 117 runs off 117 balls, including nine fours and two sixes, which helped England to a respectable 253/9. Udeshika Prabodhani dropped the English captain early on three, but she took full most of the second chance, scoring her 10th ODI century and setting a tough goal for the hosts. She also helped out with the ball, getting 2/25 in five overs.
Sri Lanka set a tough total and looked to their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, who had to be carried off the field after getting cramps in the seventh over. Hasini Perera (35) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (33) put up a 58-run stand that steadied the chase and made it 95/1. But Ecclestone’s magic spell caused a collapse, as the home team lost three wickets for only eight runs in four overs.
Ecclestone, the best bowler in the world, got Perera, Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, and Athapaththu out with crisp turn and bounce. She finished her 10-over session with 4/17. Her work alone changed the game in England’s favor.
Inoka Ranaweera, a seasoned left-arm spinner, kept up her good form earlier in the match, taking 3/33, including a thrilling double-wicket maiden that stopped England’s momentum in the middle overs. Kavisha Dilhari, who spins off, took 1/34 in eight overs, but Sciver-Brunt’s toughness kept England on track.
England’s innings got off to a rough start, losing two wickets during the powerplay. Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight steadied the batting with a 60-run partnership, but Inoka got a big wicket with a late review, finishing Knight’s innings at 29 (47b, 2×4).
In the last few overs, Sciver-Brunt added 49 runs to England’s tally, bringing it to a total of 49 runs. Charlie Dean’s reverse sweep finally broke a seven-over boundary drought, but her partner Sophia Dunkley was out for 18 off 30, caught wonderfully by Dilhari.
England not only solidified their place at the top of the standings with this win, but they also sent a strong message to the other teams in the tournament by showing off their powerful batting and deadly spin assault.