When Natalie Jane Sciver‑Brunt, captain of England women's cricket team walked out onto the turf at the R. Premadasa Stadium on 12 October 2025, she wasn’t just playing a match – she was writing a statement. The English side thumped the hosts by 89 runs, a margin that sent shockwaves through Group A and put England squarely in the driver’s seat for a semi‑final berth.
England posted 287/6 in their full 50‑over innings, thanks in large part to Sciver‑Brunt’s unbeaten 117 off exactly 117 balls – a run‑a‑ball masterclass that included 13 fours and three sixes. Her brilliance didn’t stop at the crease; she rolled her arm twice, claiming the wickets of Sri Lanka’s opening batters, and helped skittle the visitors for 198 in just 44.3 overs. The win lifted England to six points with a net run rate (NRR) of +1.864, widening the gap at the top of the points table.
Match recap: England dominate Sri Lanka
England won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that paid off handsomely. After an early wobble at 45/2, Sciver‑Brunt steadied the ship with a measured partnership alongside Emily Arlott. Together they added 84 runs, turning the momentum in England’s favour.
Once the century was in the bag, the captain turned the attack onto the bowlers. She clipped the ball sharply, sending it past the in‑field and onto the boundary for a quick two‑run over‑the‑rope run‑out. The second wicket came when she bowled a well‑timed inswinger that trapped the Sri Lankan opener leg‑before‑wicket.
Sri Lanka, chasing 288, could only muster 198. Their top‑order collapsed early, losing three wickets for just 27 runs. A late‑order partnership between Chamari Athapaththu and Inoka Ranaweera offered a flicker of hope but fell short of the required run‑rate.
Sciver‑Brunt's all‑round brilliance
Sciver‑Brunt’s 117 wasn’t just a statistical footnote – it was a statement of intent. The innings came at a strike rate of 100, exactly what the team needed after a modest start. Her shot selection was textbook: a straight drive off 18 deliveries, a lofted pull against a short ball, and a deft paddle sweep that went over mid‑wicket.
On the bowling front, she delivered four overs, conceding only 22 runs while taking two crucial wickets. Her first wicket came on the very first ball of her spell, a line and length that forced the Sri Lankan opener onto his pads. The second wicket was a breakthrough in the death overs, breaking a tentative partnership that threatened to bring the chase back within reach.
Speaking after the match, Sciver‑Brunt said, "I’m just happy we could finish the job as a unit. The team backed me, and we turned the pressure into something positive. It’s a great feeling to see the crowd enjoy a good innings".
Tournament picture: points table and implications
England’s victory keeps them at the summit of Group A, ahead of Australia women's cricket team, which sits on five points with a slightly higher NRR of +1.960. The Australian side, unbeaten in two matches and with a wash‑out against Sri Lanka, remains a strong contender for the top two spots.
With three wins from three games, England need just one more point to guarantee a semi‑final place. A loss to Sri Lanka would still leave them in contention, but the cushion would disappear quickly if Australia continues its winning streak.
The group also includes the hosts, Sri Lanka women's cricket team, who are still searching for their first win after three matches and a solitary point from a wash‑out.
- England: 6 points, NRR +1.864
- Australia: 5 points, NRR +1.960
- Sri Lanka: 1 point (wash‑out)
- South Africa, Bangladesh and New Zealand: still in the mix with varying results
The standings are crucial because the top two teams from each group advance directly to the semi‑finals, bypassing the quarter‑final round that the lower‑ranked sides face.
Venues and logistics of the 2025 World Cup
The 13th edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup is a joint venture between India and Sri Lanka, overseen by the International Cricket Council. After a series of venue swaps, the tournament now features six stadiums:
- DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai – 45,300 capacity (semi‑final confirmed)
- Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati – 46,000 capacity
- Holkar Stadium, Indore – 30,000 capacity
- ACA‑VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam – 27,500 capacity
- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo – 35,000 capacity (host of England‑Sri Lanka match)
- Additional neutral‑venue for Pakistan’s fixtures (due to diplomatic considerations)
All venues were selected for a blend of pitch quality, weather stability and transport links. The shift of Bengaluru’s matches to Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium was prompted by construction delays, a decision announced in July 2025.
What lies ahead: semi‑final prospects
England’s next group match is against New Zealand women's cricket team on 17 October. A win would virtually lock in a top‑two finish.
Australia, meanwhile, faces India women's cricket team in a clash that could determine the group leader. Both sides boast deep batting line‑ups and a range of pace and spin options, making the outcome anyone’s guess.
Beyond the group stage, the World Cup serves as a springboard toward the 2026 Commonwealth Games, where women’s cricket will feature for the first time. Strong performances now could translate into seeding advantages and heightened sponsorships for the players.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does England’s win affect their chances of reaching the semi‑finals?
The victory lifts England to six points with a healthy net run rate, meaning they need just one point from the remaining two group matches to guarantee a top‑two finish and a direct semi‑final berth.
What were the key statistics from Sciver‑Brunt’s performance?
She scored 117 runs off 117 balls, hit 13 fours and three sixes, and took 2 wickets for 22 runs in four overs. Her strike‑rate and economy were exact matches to the team’s needs.
Which venues will host the knockout stage of the tournament?
The confirmed semi‑final venue is the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The second semi‑final and the final will be allocated after the group stage, with potential sites in either Indore or Visakhapatnam, depending on Pakistan’s progression.
How does Australia’s standing compare to England’s after three games?
Australia sits on five points with a slightly higher NRR (+1.960) compared to England’s +1.864. A win in their next match could overtake England, but a loss would leave them trailing.
What does this tournament mean for the future of women’s cricket?
The 2025 World Cup boosts visibility worldwide and sets the stage for women’s cricket at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Strong performances improve rankings, attract sponsors, and inspire the next generation of players.
