Sciver Brunt and Ecclestone Shine in England’s Triumphant ODI World Cup Clash Against Sri Lanka

In pursuit of a 254-run target at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, which hosted its largest crowd of this Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, the local fans energetically chanted for Chamari Athapaththu, hoping she would lead Sri Lanka to a memorable victory over England and secure their first win of the tournament.

Unfortunately, these hopes were dashed. Sophie Ecclestone masterfully restricted Sri Lanka’s run chase and claimed key wickets, including the crucial one of Athapaththu, ensuring England’s dominant 89-run victory and maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament.

Early in the game, Athapaththu had to be stretchered off due to cramp, adding to the tension in the stadium. After Vishmi Gunaratne’s early dismissal, a resilient 58-run partnership between Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama provided a glimmer of hope for the home side.

Ecclestone began her spell in the 19th over, partnering with Charlie Dean to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Sri Lanka lost four of their top order batsmen, including a returning Athapaththu, for a mere 21 runs, all claimed by Ecclestone. Athapaththu could only watch in despair as the chase faltered.

Sri Lanka, having chosen to bowl first under cloudy skies, relied on their bowling strength. While the bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, the overall fielding efforts fell short.

In the first innings, after early breakthroughs, Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt engineered a 60-run partnership that tested the resolve of the Lankan bowlers. Sciver-Brunt, benefiting from an early dropped catch by Udeshika Prabodani when she had only three runs, went on to score her fifth ODI World Cup century. This score contributed significantly to England’s formidable total, proving too high for Sri Lanka to pursue.

Her milestone century was celebrated with a heartwarming tribute to her baby Theo, witnessed by partner and England legend Katherine Sciver-Brunt from the stands.

Match Highlights: England vs Sri Lanka Highlights

Match Summary:
England 253/9 in 50 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 117, Tammy Beaumont 32, Inoka Ranaweera 3/33) defeated Sri Lanka 164 in 45.4 overs (Hasini Perera 35, Harshitha Samarawickrama 33, Sophie Ecclestone 4/17). Toss won by Sri Lanka. Player of the Match: Sciver-Brunt.

Published on October 11, 2025.