Dasanayaka seals dramatic victory with one ball to spare
It wasn't pretty, and at several points it looked as though Sri Lanka were determined to hand Scotland a famous upset, but in the end a slashing boundary from Sugandika Dasanayaka off the penultimate delivery sealed a three-wicket victory that keeps Sri Lanka's tournament alive. Finishing on 154-7 from 19.5 overs, they chased down Scotland's competitive 151-6 in the kind of finish that had everyone on the edge of their seats at Old Trafford.
For the neutrals, it was brilliant entertainment. For Sri Lanka supporters, it was absolutely agonising. From the comfort of 57-1, they somehow found themselves in serious trouble at 78-4 and later 118-6, their lower order left to do the heavy lifting. That they managed it at all is a testament to their nerve — albeit a very frayed nerve by the final over.
Athapaththu blazes the trail before Scotland fight back
Sri Lanka's chase began with considerable intent. Captain Chamari Athapaththu was in breathtaking form from the off, plundering 18 runs from Gabriella Fontenla's solitary over and making the target look well within reach. Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama also found the boundary regularly against Katherine Fraser's opening spell, and at 65-2 after the powerplay, the game appeared to be firmly in Sri Lanka's grasp.
But Athapaththu's dismissal — bowled by Fraser for a rapid 33 off just 16 balls — changed the complexion entirely. Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce then demonstrated real leadership with two crucial wickets, removing both Perera and Samarawickrama, while Fraser trapped Hansima Karunaratne lbw. Kirstie Gordon chipped in to dismiss Kavisha Dilhari, and suddenly Sri Lanka needed 34 from the final five overs with only four wickets remaining. As a coach, watching your side go from cruise control to crisis in the space of a few overs is utterly excruciating.
Scotland's innings built on Bryce brilliance
Scotland's total of 151-6 was far more competitive than many had anticipated. They made an explosive start, rattling up 21 runs inside the first two overs thanks to a flurry of boundaries from Darcey Carter. However, the breakthrough of Katherine Fraser — caught by a stunning diving effort from Nilakshi de Silva at mid-off — settled Sri Lanka's bowlers. Sarah Bryce was the standout performer with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 47 from 33 deliveries, with Ailsa Lister providing valuable support in the closing stages. Sri Lanka's Ayodhya was their pick of the bowlers, claiming 2-34.
What this means for the group standings — and the betting markets
With this win, Sri Lanka move up to third place in Group 2 with three victories from their campaign — the first time they have managed three wins in a single Women's T20 World Cup. However, their path to the semi-finals is incredibly narrow. They require West Indies to suffer a heavy defeat to Ireland and England to beat New Zealand on Saturday, all while banking on net run-rate swinging their way. This result will shift the outright odds on Sri Lanka progressing, though bookmakers are likely to price them as very long shots given the reliance on other results.
Scotland's World Cup journey is now over, but they can hold their heads high. Pushing a side of Sri Lanka's calibre this close — and building 151 on the board — shows real progress for a developing cricketing nation. For Sri Lanka, the wait goes on, and Saturday's results will determine whether this breathless win ultimately meant anything at all.
Scorecard: Scotland 151-6 (20 overs) — S Bryce 47* (33); Ayodhya 2-34 | Sri Lanka 154-7 (19.5 overs) — Athapaththu 33 (16); Fraser 2-25. Sri Lanka won by three wickets.
