England Women Storm to Top Spot after Dominant Win over Sri Lanka in Colombo
When England Women thumped the host side at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday, October 11, 2025, the tournament table shuffled dramatically.
England posted a scorching 280 for 4 in their 50 overs, chasing a modest target of 151 set by Sri Lanka Women. The win catapulted them to the top of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025multiple venues across South Asia, leaving fans buzzing and analysts scrambling for explanations.
Match Overview
The day‑night ODI began at 3:00 PM local time (2:30 UTC). England won the toss and elected to field, a decision that paid off when their opening bowlers carved out early wickets. Chamari Athapaththu, captain of the Sri Lankan side, tried to steady the innings with a fluent 45, but she fell to a sharp spell from England’s seam attack.
England’s bowlers finished with figures of 10‑2‑165‑8. Sophie Ecclestone claimed three wickets for just 28 runs, while Katie George added two more, including the crucial wicket of Athapaththu.
England's Dominant Performance
Opening the chase, Heather Knight, England women's captain and Jon Lewis at the helm as coach, set a steady foundation with a quick 30 off 22 balls. The real fireworks came from Emma Lamb, who smashed 85 runs off 68 deliveries, peppering the stadium with boundaries.
By the 35th over, England were 200 for 2, needing just 51 runs from 15 overs. The partnership between Lamb and Nat Sciver-Brunt sealed the deal, with Sciver‑Brunt contributing a quickfire 30 off 22.
- England total: 280/4 (50 overs)
- Sri Lanka total: 150 all out (41.3 overs)
- Top scorer: Emma Lamb (85 runs)
- Best bowler: Sophie Ecclestone (3/28)
- Man of the Match: Emma Lamb
Even the crowd, half of whom were chanting for the home side, could not dampen the English surge. The win was England’s fifth in the group stage and lifted them to nine points, two ahead of Australia and India.
Sri Lanka's Response and Squad
Chasing a manageable target on home soil, Sri Lanka hoped the experience of Athapaththu and the spin wizardry of Kavisha Dilhari would turn the tide. Instead, early wickets left them re‑calculating. Hasini Perera edged a catch at slip for a first‑ball duck, and every subsequent partnership fell short of 30 runs.
The 15‑player squad listed for the match included:
- Hasini Perera
- Chamari Athapaththu (captain)
- Harshitha Samarawickrama
- Vishmi Gunaratne
- Kavisha Dilhari
- Nilakshi de Silva
- Anushka Sanjeewani (wicket‑keeper)
- Sugandika Kumari
- Achini Kulasuriya
- Udeshika Prabodhani
- Inoka Ranaweera
- Dewmi Vihanga
- Piumi Wathsala Badalge
- Malki Madara
- Imesha Dulani
Coach Harsha de Silva (not to be confused with the player Nilakshi) praised his side’s fighting spirit despite the heavy loss.
Reactions from Coaches and Experts
Post‑match, England coach Jon Lewis said, “Our bowlers executed the plan perfectly, and the batting lineup was clinical. The conditions were a bit tricky with the evening dew, but the girls adapted well.”
Meanwhile, former England star Charlotte Edwards noted, “What we saw was a full‑on statement of intent. If they keep this level of intensity, the trophy is theirs to lose.”
Speaking for Sri Lanka, captain Chamari Athapaththu admitted, “We didn’t start as we wanted, but the experience will sharpen us for the next games.”
Implications for the World Cup Table
The victory moved England to the forefront of Group A, where they now sit atop a tightly packed leaderboard. Australia, with a win over New Zealand earlier in the day, trails by two points. India, who beat South Africa, sits third with the same points as England but a lower net run rate.
Net run rate now stands at +1.45 for England, a comfortable cushion that could prove decisive in a scenario where teams finish level on points.
Looking Ahead
England’s next fixture is against Australia on October 14, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground – a showdown that many are already dubbing the “Super‑six clash.” Sri Lanka will regroup for their next match against New Zealand on October 13, hoping to bounce back before the group stage concludes on October 20.
For fans, the excitement is palpable. The tournament’s night‑time scheduling means matches are broadcast live across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with streaming peaks hitting 3.2 million concurrent viewers during the England‑Sri Lanka encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does England's win affect their chances of winning the World Cup?
The victory lifts England to the top of Group A with nine points and a +1.45 net run rate, giving them a clear buffer over rivals Australia and India. If they maintain this form, they are well‑placed to qualify for the semi‑finals without relying on other results.
Who were the standout performers for England?
Emma Lamb topped the scoreboard with 85 runs, while Sophie Ecclestone’s three‑wicket spell (3/28) turned the match. Nat Sciver‑Brunt’s quick 30 sealed the chase, and captain Heather Knight’s steady 30 set the tone.
What challenges did Sri Lanka face in the match?
Early dismissals, especially the loss of opening batter Hasini Perera for a golden duck, put Sri Lanka on the back foot. The evening dew also made the ball skid, aiding England’s bowlers. Their middle order couldn’t build partnerships beyond 25 runs.
When is England’s next match and who are they playing?
England face Australia on October 14, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The encounter is expected to be a pivotal group‑stage clash, with both teams eyeing the top spot.
How did the crowd react to England’s performance?
While a sizable portion of the 25,000 spectators cheered for Sri Lanka, many appreciated the high‑quality cricket on display. The stadium resonated with applause after each England boundary, showing respect for the visitors’ skill.