England secure place in World Cup

England booked their place at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 after beating Sri Lanka by 122 runs in Colombo.

The win guarantees Heather Knight’s side a place in the top four of the ICC Women’s Championship and with it a safe passage into next summer’s tournament which arrives in Leicester on June 26.

The tourists made two changes with Georgia Elwiss in for the unwell Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont taking the gloves, while Laura Marsh returned in place of Alex Hartley.

Asked to bat first, England amassed 295 with Lauren Winfield, Natalie Sciver and Knight all making half-centuries.

After Winfield and Beaumont put on 53 for the first wicket, captain Knight upped the ante with three sixes over midwicket.
Winfield registered her third 50 in five matches but departed soon after which brought Sciver, impressively averaging close to 60 this year, to the crease.

Belting three fours in succession en route to a 27 ball fifty, the in-form number four gave England a chance of passing 300.

But, like Winfield and Knight before her, Sciver perished moments after raising her bat.

The returning Elwiss impressed with 46 from 36 balls and an adept 29 from Danielle Hazell meant England were firm favourites at halfway, although they could have scored 40 more.

England’s chances of early wickets were hampered by Katherine Brunt limping off with a thigh injury after her second over.
The tourists had to wait until the 14th over for a breakthrough when Hazell trapped Chamari Atapattu lbw.

Marsh struck in the next over, holding on to a brilliant one-handed catch off her own bowling, and England's off-spin pair then traded lbws as England sensed an early finish at 66 for four in the 19th over.

Sri Lanka, however, seemingly concerned about a heavy defeat, dropped anchor, almost eschewing any hope of winning by doing so.

A patient England were rewarded in the 37th over when Winfield ran out Chamari Polgampola to trigger a succession of wickets.

Sciver pinned Ama Kanchana in front and Hazell claimed her third wicket to end Hasini Perera’s vigil - her 90-ball stay reaping just 35 runs.

The conclusion was swift as Marsh ran out Sripali Weerakkody, Beth Langston trapped Oshadi Ranasinghe lbw and sub fielder Hartley caught Inoka Ranaweera off Danni Wyatt’s bowling. 

* 2017 Members of Leicestershire CCC will be able to purchase tickets for the ICC Women's World Cup at a special discounted price. Don’t miss a ball during the 2017 season! Our packages are now on sale through the club’s website HERE, or alternatively you can call 0116 283 2128 from 9am on Monday morning.