The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 witnessed another commanding performance from England Women, who registered a resounding 89-run victory over Sri Lanka Women at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Batting first, England overcame a shaky start at 49/2 thanks to Nat Sciver-Brunt’s controlled yet fluent innings that anchored the side to a competitive 253/9 in their 50 overs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Inoka Ranaweera, did their best to contain the scoring, but Nat’s century stood tall amid frequent wickets.
In reply, Sri Lanka never quite found rhythm in their chase. Despite brief resistance from Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Nilakshi de Silva, their innings unraveled under the spin stranglehold of Sophie Ecclestone and the all-round brilliance of Sciver-Brunt. The hosts were eventually bundled out for 164, falling well short of the target.
Highlights from the Match
Nat Sciver-Brunt – 117 (117) & 2/25 (5)
Nat Sciver-Brunt once again proved why she is regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket. Walking in at a delicate stage with England at 49/2, she produced an innings of sheer authority and composure. Her 117 off 117 deliveries, embellished with nine boundaries and two sixes, was a model of controlled aggression and intelligent placement. She expertly managed partnerships through the middle overs, rotating strike under pressure and capitalising on loose balls to rebuild England’s innings.
Her influence didn’t stop there. With the ball, she dismissed Anushka Sanjeewani and Dewmi Vihanga, breaking key partnerships and quelling Sri Lanka’s hopes of a late recovery. Her double act — calm under pressure with the bat and incisive with the ball — earned her a thoroughly deserved Player of the Match award.
Sophie Ecclestone – 4/17 (10)
England’s spin spearhead, Sophie Ecclestone, was at her clinical best. Bowling with rhythm and guile, she tore through Sri Lanka’s lineup with a spell that read like a bowler’s dream — 10 overs, 4 wickets for just 17 runs. Her economy rate of 1.70 spoke volumes of the pressure she exerted. She made the big breakthrough by removing Chamari Athapaththu, the opposition’s most dangerous batter, while also dismantling the middle order with precision and control. Her other wickets were Hasini Perera, Harshitha Madavi, and Kavisha Dilhari.
Inoka Ranaweera – 3/33 (10)
Veteran left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera once again showed why she remains Sri Lanka’s most reliable weapon in the bowling department. She maintained consistency throughout her nine overs, finishing with figures of 3/33, and kept England’s run rate in check during the middle phase. Her biggest moment came with the dismissal of Heather Knight, breaking a promising partnership and momentarily halting England’s momentum. She also took the wickets of Emma Lamb and Alice Capsey. Ranaweera’s control, flight, and subtle turn frequently tested the English batters, forcing them to earn every run.
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