England regains top spot with a landslide victory over Sri Lanka

England, on Sunday (October 11), thrashed Sri Lanka by 89 runs to extend their winning streak in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The Nat Sciver-Brent-led side completely outclassed the co-hosts in Colombo to reclaim top spot in the points table.

Captain Sciver-Brunt led from the front by smashing a sensational century while spinner Sophie Ecclestone bowled a stunning spell of 4-17.

Nat Skiver-Brent is unstoppable in the Women’s World Cup

When England were asked to bat first, they were in a precarious position having been reduced to 49/2 in the 10th over. Both of England’s openers – Amy Jones (11) and Tammy Beaumont (32) – started but were unable to capitalise.

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Sri Lanka had the chance to dismiss Skiver-Brent cheaply as well, but they dropped her in the third over, and she continued to punish them by scoring 117 runs.

In an innings where no other English batsman could score more than 32 runs, it was Sciver-Brunt’s century that ultimately made the difference in the match. With wickets falling at regular intervals at one end, the England captain initially remained cautious.

At the end of the over, England were at 179/6 before Sciver-Brunt accelerated. As a result, England scored 49 runs from their last five overs to finish on 253/9, the highest score at the R Premadasa Stadium in the ongoing competition.

England bowlers dismantle Sri Lanka

The total of 253 runs turned out to be more than enough in the end as England bowled out Sri Lanka in just 164 runs. Sri Lanka were dealt a heavy blow early in the chase when team captain Shamari Athapathu was forced to retire hurt.

However, openers Hussaini Perera and Harshita Samarawickrama kept their side in the hunt by taking the score to 95/1 before the former was dismissed for 35. Three overs later, Samarawickrama too departed as England put themselves in the driver’s seat.

Athapathu returned in the middle but it made little difference as she departed for 15 minutes, leaving her team reeling at 116/5. Sri Lanka kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bowled out for 164 in the 46th over.