England Women enjoyed a perfect start to their One Day International series against Sri Lanka as they recorded an eight-wicket victory in Colombo.
Captain Heather Knight took 2-29 and struck an unbeaten 45 as her side chased down 169 with 20 overs remaining at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.
Playing in a four-match series, the three remaining matches count towards the ICC Women’s Championship and England will qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017, which will take place in Derby, if they win one of them.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the hosts reached 50 for no loss, before Knight dismissed Hasini Perera (26). The opening partnership would be highest of the innings as Sri Lanka continued to lose wickets at regular intervals to reach 169-7.
Spin bowlers Danielle Hazell and Alex Hartley took a wicket a piece, before Katherine Brunt took two wickets in the 47th over. Beth Langston marked her debut with her first international wicket, ending with figures of 1-23 from 10 overs.
England openers Tammy Beaumont (41) and Lauren Winfield (33) began the run chase with a 77-run partnership. Winfield’s departure in the 14th over brought Knight to the crease, and together with Natalie Sciver (47*), the pair steered the visitors to a convincing eight-wicket victory.
England now move onto the R.Premadasa Stadium with their sights firmly set on qualification for the ICC Women’s World Cup, starting in Derby on June 23.
“We’re feeling very confident that we’ll win all three games,” said Brunt. “We will look to replicate what we did today. We’re playing at Premadasa so it’s a new track and a new challenge.”
Derby will host eight ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 fixtures next summer – and 2017 Members will be able to purchase tickets at a special discounted price.
Join your county cricket club today. The Club has reduced its price and simplified its categories to offer one single Club Membership at only £139, if purchased before 1 February Early Bird deadline.
