LIVE: Sri Lanka reduce England to six wickets down in CWC25
In scintillating form at the CWC25 so far with two wins in two, England square up against hosts Sri Lanka, who are yet to win a game.
ENGLAND v SRI LANKA, SCORECARD
Inoka Ranaweera snapped three wickets, including a double-wicket maiden to put England under scanner during their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 contest.
The double blows came not too long after Kaveesha Dilhari had held onto a brilliant return catch off her own bowling to dismiss Sophia Dunkley and Sri Lanka gave England a stern challenge in Colombo.
The wickets came on the back of England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stitched a well-composed half-century - her 26th in Women's ODIs - to lead her team's charge with the bat against Sri Lanka.
Sciver-Brunt's big hit to the fence | CWC25
Watch Nat Sciver-Brunt's maximum against Sri Lanka in the ICC Womenās Cricket World Cup match.
Having lost two wickets in the powerplay, England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt would combine alongside in-form veteran Heather Knight to lead her side's recovery, bringing up the 100 for the team as the innings crossed the 20-over mark.
But just as the duo had added 60 runs for the third wicket partnership, Knight was caught by Dewmi Vihanga off Ranaweera.
Earlier, Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu had won the toss and elected to field first at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. The hosts struck early in the innings as Kavisha Dilhari ran Amy Jones out.
Her opening partner Tammy Beaumont fell soon after, with Harshitha Samarawickrama holding onto a well-judged catch at backward point, after the batter tried step out and attack.
Get your tickets now for ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025
Sri Lanka send back England openers early | Powerplay Highlights | CWC25Ā
Watch the powerplay highlights from the England innings in their ICC Womenās Cricket World Cup clash against Sri Lanka.
The proceedings at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo were delayed owing to wet outfield, with the flip of the coin taking place 15 minutes after the scheduled time, at 2:45 PM local time. The match will kickstart at 3:15 PM local time.
The Nat Sciver-Brunt-led England side will be eyeing to go top of the table as they lock horns with Sri Lanka.
The four-time winners have clinched both of their games at the marquee tournament so far, defeating South Africa and Bangladesh to gain four points from the two outings.
Meanwhile, hosts Sri Lanka are yet to register a win, having lost to India and with their game against Australia being washed out.
Sri Lanka take on the in-form England at home | Will To Win Preview Show | CWC25
Crystal Arnold previews the fixture as Sri Lanka will be looking to get their first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 win against England at home.
Playing XI:
England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoka Ranaweera
