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England maintained their strong performance in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, securing a decisive 89-run win against co-hosts Sri Lanka in the 12th game of the competition held at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took the lead with an outstanding run-a-ball century, while Sophie Ecclestone provided a precise bowling performance, taking 4-17 to dismantle Sri Lanka’s innings and assist England in keeping their perfect record.

Choosing to bowl first, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu’s strategy proved ineffective as England scored an impressive 253 for 9 in their 50 overs. Sciver-Brunt was the key player in the innings, delivering a smooth 117 that included nine boundaries and two sixes, showcasing one of the best performances of the competition to date.

Contributions were made by Tammy Beaumont (32) and Heather Knight (29), as England formed consistent partnerships to maintain the run rate. Sri Lanka’s bowling was spearheaded by Inoka Ranaweera, who took 3 wickets for 33 runs in her 10-over spell. Sugandika Kumari and Udeshika Prabodhani each took two wickets, while Kavisha Dilhari added one.

In response, Sri Lanka struggled while chasing 254 on a deteriorating pitch, ultimately being all out for 164 in 45.4 overs, suffering their second loss in three matches. Opener Hasini Perera was the highest scorer with a cautious 35 from 60 balls, followed by Harshitha Samarawickrama who contributed 33. The only other batsmen to reach double figures were Nilakshika Silva (23), Chamari Athapaththu (15), and Vishmi Gunaratne and Anushka Sanjeewani, each scoring 10.

England’s bowlers, headed by Sophie Ecclestone, maintained constant pressure. The left-arm spinner created a difficult situation for the Lankan batsmen, ending with a performance of 4/17 in 10 overs. She was well assisted by Nat Sciver-Brunt and Charlie Dean, who each took two wickets, while Linsey Smith and Alice Capsey grabbed one each. With this win, England climbed to the top of the tournament table, earning six points from three games, surpassing defending champions Australia, who are now in second place with five points.

Scores in Brief

ENGLAND 253/9 after 50 overs (N Sciver-Brunt 117 (117), T Beaumont 32; I Ranaweera 3/33, S Kumari 2/41) defeated SRI LANKA 164 all out in 45.4 overs (H Perera 35, H Samarawickrama 33; S Ecclestone 4/17, C Dean 2/29) by 89 runs.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).