Visakhapatnam: England continued their dominant run in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup with another commanding performance as Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone led from the front to seal an emphatic 89-run victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Sciver-Brunt, England’s dependable skipper, struck a masterful 117 off 117 balls — her fifth Women’s World Cup century and tenth in ODIs — while Ecclestone spun a web around Sri Lanka’s middle order with exceptional figures of 4/17. The result pushed England to the top of the points table with six points, ahead of defending champions Australia.
Sciver-Brunt’s Record-Breaking Century Anchors England’s Innings
After being dropped early on just three runs by Udeshika Prabodhani, Sciver-Brunt made Sri Lanka pay dearly. Displaying remarkable composure and timing, she struck nine fours and two sixes, guiding England from early trouble to a solid total of 253/9.
England lost Emma Lamb and Alice Capsey early, but Sciver-Brunt found a steady partner in Heather Knight (29). The duo stitched together a crucial 60-run stand before Knight fell to a glove touch confirmed via review.
Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera was once again impressive, claiming 3/33, including a brilliant double-wicket maiden in her 35th over where she dismissed both Lamb and Capsey. Kavisha Dilhari (1/34) supported well as England briefly struggled to find momentum, losing three wickets for just 34 runs between overs 30 and 40.
However, Sciver-Brunt ensured a strong finish, adding 49 runs in the final five overs before falling on the penultimate ball of the innings.
Ecclestone’s Magic Shatters Sri Lanka’s Chase
Chasing 254, Sri Lanka’s reply started on a disastrous note when captain Chamari Athapaththu retired hurt on seven after suffering cramps in the sixth over. Despite a promising 58-run partnership between Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama, Sri Lanka’s progress was halted once Sophie Ecclestone came into the attack.
The left-arm spinner produced a stunning spell, triggering a collapse as Sri Lanka lost three wickets for just eight runs in four overs. Ecclestone dismissed Perera, caught by Alice Capsey, then removed Samarawickrama with Lauren Bell taking a sharp catch. She bowled Kavisha Dilhari for four and later sent back Athapaththu on her return — clean bowled by a beautiful turning delivery.
Ecclestone’s brilliance dismantled the Sri Lankan middle order, leaving them reeling at 103/4. The rest was a mere formality as England’s bowlers tightened their grip.
England Extend Unbeaten Streak to Three Matches
With Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/25) and Charlie Dean (2/47) chipping in, Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 164 in 45.4 overs. It was a complete team performance that highlighted England’s balance and tactical maturity.
“Consistency and execution have been our focus, and today we showed both,” said Sciver-Brunt, who was named Player of the Match. “Every game in this World Cup matters, and we want to keep the momentum going.”
For Sri Lanka, Inoka Ranaweera’s efforts stood out, but their batting once again faltered under pressure. Captain Athapaththu’s injury added to their woes as they struggled to handle England’s world-class bowling attack.
Brief Scores:
England: 253/9 in 50 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 117, Heather Knight 29; Inoka Ranaweera 3/33)
Sri Lanka: 164 all out in 45.4 overs (Hasini Perera 41, Harshitha Samarawickrama 35; Sophie Ecclestone 4/17, Nat Sciver-Brunt 2/25, Charlie Dean 2/47)
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