Women's World Cup 2025, Match 12: Nat Sciver-Brunt's all-round show plunders Sri Lanka

England Women secured their third straight win in the Women's World Cup 2025 by claiming an 89-run win over Sri Lanka Women in Match 12 of the ongoing tournament. The English, even if temporarily, moved to the top spot.

Although the Englishwomen had a decent powerplay, they lost a couple of wickets in the form of their opening batters. Heather Knight steadied the ship, partnering well alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt. There was a bit of a middle-order meltdown during the innings. However, the skipper stood tall through it all. With the sixth wicket down in the 35th over, it seemed as if England would not even play out their allotted quota.

Sciver-Brunt showed why she is among the best going around right now. Her innings ended on a run-a-ball 117, which comprised nine fours and two sixes. The left-arm spin of Inoka Ranaweera effected three wickets in her 10-over spell. Udeshika Prabodhani and Sugandika Kumari picked up a couple of wickets apiece. However, they were a tad expensive as per the final score.

Chamari Athapaththu retired hurt quite early on in the innings. She had to be stretchered off the ground. The co-hosts were on track with their chase when Hasini Perera became Sophie Ecclestone's first victim. England's premier spinner ended with incredible figures of 4/17 in 10 overs, including the wicket of Athapaththu, who came out to bat later but could only score 15 off 39.

There were only three players from the Lankan camp who scored more than 20. Sri Lanka had lost their tournament-opening clash to India while chasing. It happened again. Sciver-Brunt could do no wrong. She contributed with the ball with a couple of wickets to her name in the second innings. This match marked the second time Sciver-Brunt attained the double of a century and a couple of wickets in a World Cup fixture.