Nat Sciver-Brunt struck a patient century to rescue England from a precarious position and secure an 89-run victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo. The England captain, dropped on three early in her innings, went on to score a run-a-ball 117, her fifth ODI World Cup hundred, surpassing coach Charlotte Edwards's record.
England were struggling at 168 for six before Sciver-Brunt's innings, which included 52 singles and a flurry of boundaries in the final overs. She was eventually caught off the penultimate ball, but her knock lifted England to a competitive total. Tammy Beaumont contributed 32, the next highest score.
Sciver-Brunt dedicated the century to her wife Katherine and their son Theo, who were watching from the stands. 'That one was for Theo,' she said. 'They've come out to Sri Lanka to watch me, so I thought I'd give back to them for supporting me.'
Sri Lanka's chase started positively at 95 for one, but spinner Sophie Ecclestone turned the game with a spell of three wickets in ten overs, including three maidens. Captain Chamari Athapaththu, returning after being stretchered off with cramp, was bowled by Ecclestone for a key breakthrough.
Sciver-Brunt also took two wickets, while Charlie Dean claimed a wicket and a fine catch as Sri Lanka collapsed to 164 all out in 45.4 overs. The win put England back on top of the World Cup standings.
