England, led by skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, the only other unbeaten side alongside Australia in the ongoing edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, were up against Sri Lanka, led by skipper Chamari Athapaththu, in Colombo. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were still searching for their first win of the tournament. Their previous game against Australia was washed out, and as a result, the teams shared a point each.
England retained the same side that took the field in their previous game. Sri Lanka made one change as the young 20-year-old bowling all-rounder Dewmi Vihanga made her way into the starting 11.
Nat Sciver-Brunt leads from the front with a record-shattering century
Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and opted to field first in Colombo, their first fixture at home in this edition. The England top-order rectified their mistakes from the game against Bangladesh, and stitched decent partnerships, with a 24-run opening stand between Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont. An unfortunate run-out ended Amy Jones’ stay at the crease in the 4th over of the innings to provide the first breakthrough for Sri Lanka.
Tammy Beaumont regained her lost rhythm as she stitched another crucial 25-run stand for the 2nd wicket, alongside former skipper Heather Knight. Sugandika Kumari broke the stand, sending Tammy Beaumont (32 off 29 balls) back to the pavilion in the 10th over of the innings, providing the 2nd breakthrough for her side.
Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt joined former skipper Heather Knight at the crease, and the experienced duo took them past the 100-run mark, with another vital 60-run partnership for the 3rd wicket. The Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu took the review in the nick of time for a fair catch. And the decision was overturned as the snickometer spotted a spike with the ball next to the glove, ending Heather Knight’s (29 off 47 balls) stay at the crease in the 22nd over of the innings to provide the 3rd breakthrough for Sri Lanka.
Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took the responsibility to play the anchor’s role, holding one end strong, taking the innings deep. The rest of the batters, the likes of Sophia Dunkley (18 off 30 balls), Emma Lamb (13 off 13 balls), and Charlie Dean (19 off 36 balls), played their natural game. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt registered her 10th century in the format and a record 5th ton in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cups, surpassing former White Ferns skipper Suzie Bates. She also became only the 2nd English batter after former skipper Charlotte Edwards to surpass the 8,000 runs mark across formats at the international level.
England posted a competitive total of 253/9 in their quota of 50 overs. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (117 off 117 balls) top-scored with the bat for England. Inoka Ranaweera (10-1-33-3), Sugandika Kumari (10-0-66-2), Udeshika Prabodhani (9-0-55-2), and Kavisha Dilhari (8-0-34-1) were the star performers with the ball for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan top-order shows promise, but not enough to topple England
Chasing a total of 254, the home side suffered a massive scare as skipper Chamari Athapaththu found herself in severe discomfort and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher in the 6th over of the run chase. Vishmi Gunaratne joined Hasini Perera at the crease, and the duo were growing in confidence en route to their 37-run opening stand.
A ripper turned back in sharply from Charlie Dean on the first ball of her spell, luring Vishmi Gunaratne (10 off 9 balls) into the drive, and she ended up dislodging the leg-bail, providing the first breakthrough for England in the 10th over of the run chase. Harshitha Samarawickrama joined Hasini Perera at the crease, and the duo took them closer to the 100-run mark with a crucial 58-run stand for the 2nd wicket.
A late introduction of the left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone worked wonders, as she picked up the wicket of Hasini Perera (35 off 60 balls) back to the pavilion in the 21st over of the run chase to provide the 2nd breakthrough for her side. The left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone (10-3-17-4) ran through the Sri Lankan batting lineup in no time.
Even skipper Chamari Athapaththu (15 off 39 balls) was unable to handle the turn produced by Sophie Ecclestone. As a result of regular strikes, Sri Lanka were eventually bundled out for 164, in the 46th over of the run chase. As a result, falling 89 runs short of the target, with 26 balls to spare. Harshitha Samarawickrama (33 off 37 balls) and Nilakshika Silva (23 off 38 balls) played their part with the bat for Sri Lanka.
Charlie Dean (9-1-47-2), skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (5-0-25-2), Linsey Smith (8.4-1-22-1), and Alice Capsey (5-1-15-1) were impressive with the ball for England, playing an important supporting act alongside Sophie Ecclestone.
Undoubtedly, skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt was awarded the Player of the Match for her blockbuster all-round impact, scoring 117 (117 balls) with the bat and returning with match figures of 5-0-25-2 with the ball for her side. England continues their unbeaten streak in the tournament as they also claim the top spot on the points table, toppling Australia.
Loves all things female cricket