Nat Sciver-Brunt scored a brilliant 117 to lead England to a 89-run win over Sri Lanka in Colombo, recovering from a precarious 168 for six. The England captain was dropped on three and made the most of the reprieve, hitting a run-a-ball century that included 12 fours and a six over deep extra cover to bring up her milestone.
Sciver-Brunt's innings was the cornerstone of England's recovery, with Tammy Beaumont's 32 the next highest score. The captain's hundred was her fifth in 50-over World Cups, surpassing coach Charlotte Edwards' record, and her first since the birth of her son Theo in March. She celebrated by cradling her bat like a baby, dedicating the innings to her wife Katherine and Theo.
Sophie Ecclestone was instrumental in defending the total, taking three wickets in a devastating 10-over spell that included three maidens. She dismissed Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Kavisha Dilhari, and also bowled Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, who had earlier been stretchered off with cramp.
England's batting had earlier faltered against left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera, who took three for 33, including the wickets of Emma Lamb and Alice Capsey in quick succession. However, Sciver-Brunt's patience and late acceleration, scoring 44 runs in the final four overs, ensured England posted a challenging total.
Sri Lanka's chase started well at 95 for one, but Ecclestone's spell triggered a collapse to 164 all out. Charlie Dean also took a wicket and a sharp catch, as England wrapped up the win with 4.2 overs to spare.
