The 4th and final ODI between the Sri Lanka Women and England Women came to an end with the English registering a comfortable 162 runs to seal comprehensive 4-0 series win.
The game was continued today after the 2nd session of play was washed off last evening. Sri Lanka got their innings underway at 10 am today and things went from bad to worse as they lasted just 33.1 overs and were bowled out for 78.
Natalie Sciver, who starred with the bat, was the one who struck first with the ball as she had Sri Lanka’s star batter Chamari Atapattu caught behind for 11 and then Nipuni Hansika for 6. Laura Marsha and Danielle Hazell then ripped through Sri Lanka’s middle order to reduce the hosts to 47/6. Earlier in the game, England had been in a similar position, but recovered admirably to post 240 but Sri Lanka had no such luck as the next 4 wickets fell for 31 runs to give England a comfortable win.
Only 2 of the hosts’ batters got to double figures, Atapattu and Prasadini Weerakkody (who made 32), in a disappointing display.
Earlier in the game, Heather Knight returned to the England XI after sitting out the 3rd ODI and opted to have a bat after winning the toss. In form batter Tammy Beaumont fell for a duck, Knight followed and eventually the English were tottering on 58/6.
A magnificent counterattack, led in chief by Natalie Sciver followed, as she, along with Danielle Hazell, put on 104 runs for the 7th wicket to resurrect the visitors’ innings. Sri Lanka had no answer for Sciver’s aggression, as she went on to make 77 off just 74 deliveries. Laura Marsh and Beth Langston further deepened Sri Lanka’s misery as they made 36 and 21 respectively, taking England to 240 in their 50 overs.
Inoshi Fernando, playing her 1st game of the series, was excellent with the ball, registering career best bowling figures of 3/28 in her 10 overs. Captain Inoka Ranaweera also picked up 3 wickets but most of the other bowlers went for runs during the latter stages of the English innings.
With the loss, Sri Lanka suffered their 2nd consecutive whitewash at home whereas England have been enjoying a purple patch of late, this being their 6th consecutive series win.
