Women’s World Cup 2025: Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone star in England victory over Sri Lanka

England remained unbeaten in the Women’s World Cup after Nat Sciver-Brunt’s sensational century and Sophie Ecclestone’s remarkable spell of 4-17 led to a crushing 89-run win over Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Having put England in bat, Sri Lanka regretted falling to three points as England punished Sciver-Brunt for 117 runs in the contest’s 253-9 rout.

The game was delicately poised with England scoring 179-6 after 40 overs, but the skipper timed his acceleration to perfection, with 49 runs coming from the final five.

In response, Sri Lanka’s captain and key batsman Chamari Athapaththu retired injured early in their innings, but fellow openers Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama mounted a promising recovery to 95-1.

But despite Athapaththu returning to the crease before falling for 15, the co-hosts’ lack of batting depth cost them dearly and Ecclestone’s often unplayable spell of spin and bounce wreaked havoc, making them 164 all out in the 46th over.

England’s third straight win took them top of the eight-team standings, one point above reigning champions Australia.

Earlier, Sciver-Brunt played a solitary over, with the rest of England making promising starts but failing to capitalize, with opener Tammy Beaumont’s 32 being the next highest contribution.

Amy Jones was shut out for 11 points before Sciver-Brunt and former captain Heather Knight joined the 60-strong bench, leaving Beaumont between the covers.

Knight was caught sweeping for 29 and England suffered another middle-order wobble, including Emma Lamb and Alice Capsey losing out to Inoka Ranaweera in the 35th over.

Dean’s discipline brought England back to stability as he added 38 for the seventh wicket with Sciver-Brunt allowing the captain to kick at the death and ensure they set up a winning score.

England will try to continue their winning streak against Pakistan in Colombo on Wednesday.