COLOMBO — A magnificent century from Nat Sciver-Brunt and a masterful bowling display from Sophie Ecclestone propelled England to the top of the Women's World Cup table with a commanding 89-run victory over a spirited Sri Lanka at the P. Sara Oval.
Sciver-Brunt’s third consecutive score over fifty in the tournament, a sparkling 117 from just 111 deliveries, formed the bedrock of England's imposing total of 273 for 9. Sri Lanka, in reply, showed early fight but were ultimately dismantled by the world's number one bowler, Ecclestone, who claimed 4 for 25 to seal the win.
The victory ensures England remain the only unbeaten side in the competition, solidifying their status as firm favourites to lift the trophy. For Sri Lanka, the loss, while heavy, was punctuated by moments of brilliance, particularly from their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, who waged a lone battle with the bat.
Sciver-Brunt's Masterclass
Walking to the crease after the early loss of Maia Bouchier, Sciver-Brunt immediately looked in imperious form. She played with a calculated aggression that has become her trademark, finding the gaps in the field with precision and power. Her innings was a blend of textbook drives and innovative scoops, leaving the Sri Lankan bowlers with no consistent answer.
She shared a crucial 93-run partnership with captain Heather Knight (48), which steadied the innings after a slightly cautious start. Once Knight departed, Sciver-Brunt accelerated, expertly marshalling the lower order. Her century, brought up with a deft cut for four, was met with a roar of approval from the England dressing room and a beaming smile from the all-rounder.
Reflecting on her rich vein of form, Sciver-Brunt said, "It feels good to be contributing to wins. I'm just trying to keep it simple, watch the ball, and play each situation as it comes. The pitch was a bit slow, so it was about building partnerships and then cashing in at the back end."
England's Batting Card
While Sciver-Brunt was the undoubted star, England's total was built on several important contributions that showcased the depth of their batting lineup:
- Heather Knight: A composed 48 from 71 balls.
- Amy Jones: A brisk 25 to provide late impetus.
- Charlie Dean: A valuable 16 not out from the number 10 position.
For Sri Lanka, left-arm spinner Kawya Kavindi was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 42, including the prized wicket of Sciver-Brunt, while veteran seamer Udeshika Prabodhani provided early control.
Ecclestone Weaves Her Web
Chasing 274 for a historic win, Sri Lanka's hopes rested squarely on the shoulders of their inspirational captain, Chamari Athapaththu. She did not disappoint, launching a blistering assault that saw her race to 44 from 38 balls, including three massive sixes.
However, the introduction of Sophie Ecclestone in the 12th over changed the complexion of the game entirely. With her very first delivery, she deceived Athapaththu in the flight, drawing a mis-hit that was comfortably caught at mid-off. The dismissal was a hammer blow from which Sri Lanka never recovered.
Ecclestone was simply unplayable. She varied her pace and flight expertly, extracting sharp turn from the Colombo surface. She ran through the middle order, claiming the key wickets of Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshika Silva in quick succession to reduce Sri Lanka to 98 for 5, effectively ending the contest.
A proud Ecclestone commented after the match, "It's my job to take wickets in the middle, and I'm just happy it came off today. Getting Chamari first ball was massive. She's such a good player, so to get her out early was a huge moment for us."
Sri Lanka's Valiant Fight
Despite the comprehensive margin of defeat, Sri Lanka displayed the fighting spirit that has won them many admirers in this World Cup. After Athapaththu's dismissal, Kavisha Dilhari (28) and Ama Kanchana (26) provided stubborn resistance, frustrating the England attack for a period.
Their efforts, however, were in vain as the required run rate climbed inexorably. The lower order folded under the pressure, with seamer Kate Cross providing excellent support to Ecclestone by taking 2 for 34, cleaning up the tail to bowl Sri Lanka out for 184 in the 42nd over.
Tournament Implications
This result has significant ramifications for the tournament standings. England now sit clear at the top with six points from three matches, their net run rate receiving a healthy boost. For Sri Lanka, a second loss makes their path to the semi-finals considerably more difficult.
England captain Heather Knight was pleased with the professional performance, stating, "It was a proper professional performance. Nat was outstanding again, and Sophie is just a world-class operator. To be top of the table is where we want to be, but there's a long way to go."
Looking Ahead
England will look to maintain their perfect record when they face a formidable Australia side in what promises to be a blockbuster clash in their next outing. The match will be a true test of their title credentials.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, must regroup quickly for a must-win encounter against South Africa. Their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, remained defiant, saying, "We lost to a better team today. But we will not give up. We will fight for our country in every game."
On the evidence of this performance, England have all the components of a World Cup-winning team: a prolific centurion, a world-beating spinner, and the confidence that comes with an unblemished record. The charge towards the trophy is well and truly on.