England Women crushed Sri Lanka Women by 89 runs in the 12th match of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 in Colombo. England posted 253/9 in 50 overs, powered by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 10th ODI hundred. Inoka Ranaweera (3/33 in 10 overs) led the bowling attack for Sri Lanka. While chasing, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 164 in 45.4 overs. A brilliant spell from Sophie Ecclestone (4/17 in 10 overs) wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka. Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/25 in 5 overs) also contributed to England’s victory.
With this win, England Women now have three victories from three matches and have moved to the top of the group. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka suffered their second defeat but retained a point from a washed-out game against Australia.
Early Setback for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka began poorly when captain Chamari Athapaththu left the field on a stretcher in the sixth over, initially feared to have a hamstring injury. However, it was later revealed as cramps in her right calf, allowing her to return. Despite this, Vishmi Gunaratne struck consecutive boundaries off Lauren Bell but was soon dismissed by Charlie Dean. Then, Harshitha Samarawickrama joined Hasini Perera to build a 58-run partnership off 66 balls, Sri Lanka’s best stand of the innings. By the 18th over, they reached 89 for 1, offering a glimmer of hope.
Ecclestone Turns the Game
Once Sophie Ecclestone entered the attack, she changed the course of the match. She bowled three maiden overs in her ten-over spell and dismissed nearly the entire Sri Lankan top order. Hasini Perera was caught at mid-on, Samarawickrama top-edged a sweep to short fine, Kavisha Dilhari missed an arm ball, and Athapaththu was bowled by a dipping, turning delivery. As a result, Ecclestone’s performance silenced the crowd. In addition, Sciver-Brunt also contributed with the ball, dismissing Anushka Sanjeewani and Dewmi Vihanga, and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 164.
Sciver-Brunt Anchors England
Meanwhile, Sciver-Brunt guided England with her century on a challenging pitch. A drop by Udeshika Prabodhani in the 14th over allowed her innings to continue, which ultimately cost Sri Lanka over 100 runs. England started steadily, with Tammy Beaumont scoring 32 off 29 balls. However, Amy Jones fell early, followed by Beaumont. Then, Sciver-Brunt built partnerships through the middle overs, including a 60-run stand with Heather Knight. Knight gloved a reverse-sweep to slip, and keeper Sanjeewani successfully appealed for a review. Moreover, Sanjeewani effected two stumpings and participated in a run-out.
Middle Overs Wobble
Later, Sri Lanka’s Inoka Ranaweera briefly shifted momentum in the 35th over. England lost quick wickets, falling from 141 for 3 to 168 for 6. Emma Lamb and Alice Capsey were deceived by flight and sharp glove work from Sanjeewani. Although England had aimed for a total above 270, they had to slow down during the middle overs, hitting just two boundaries between the 40th and 48th overs.
Strong Finish Secures Victory
Finally, Sciver-Brunt accelerated in the last overs. She hit an inside-out six over extra cover for her century and followed with another lofted shot. England scored 28 runs in the last two overs, surpassing 250 and securing an 89-run win over Sri Lanka.
Brief Scorecard
Nat Sciver-Brunt once again played an important innings at a crucial stage of the match. She was the only player from both teams to play a long innings. Sri Lanka Women tried hard, but none of their players did enough to make an impact or help their team cross the winning line. England Women have been performing well in the tournament so far. Sri Lanka Women need to replan their strategy in every department of the game. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!