Sri Lanka Women held their nerve in a thrilling finish at Old Trafford to defeat Scotland Women by three wickets in Match 25 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing 152, Sri Lanka overcame regular setbacks to reach 154/7 with one ball to spare, thanks to crucial contributions throughout the batting order and a composed unbeaten effort from Player of the Match Nilakshi de Silva.
Sarah Bryce leads Scotland’s competitive batting effort
After opting to bowl first, Sri Lanka Women managed to restrict Scotland Women to 151/6 despite several useful partnerships. Opener Darcey Carter laid the foundation with a patient 34 off 36 deliveries, while Katherine Fraser added a brisk 12 from just nine balls to provide early momentum.
Captain Kathryn Bryce looked fluent during her 23-run knock before wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Bryce produced the standout innings for Scotland. She struck an impressive 47 off 33 balls, finding the boundary six times to keep the scoreboard ticking. Ailsa Lister also played an important cameo, scoring 26 from 17 deliveries with four boundaries as Scotland accelerated in the closing overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the wickets without allowing Scotland to completely dominate. Mithali Ayodhya picked up two wickets despite conceding 34 runs, while Kavisha Dilhari impressed with figures of 1/19 from her four economical overs. Sugandika Kumari also chipped in with a wicket as Scotland finished with a competitive total of 151/6 after 20 overs.
Top order provides brisk start before Scotland fight back
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a flying start as skipper Chamari Athapaththu attacked from the outset. She smashed 33 off only 16 deliveries, striking six fours and a six to put early pressure on Scotland’s bowlers.
Although Imesha Dulani departed cheaply, Hasini Perera continued the aggressive approach with a well-made 23 from 17 balls. Harshitha Samarawickrama then added a valuable 27 off 23 deliveries to keep Sri Lanka ahead of the required rate.
Scotland refused to back down, however, and clawed their way back into the contest through disciplined bowling. Bryce removed two key batters while Katherine Fraser matched her with two wickets of her own. Rachel Slater also claimed two wickets, and Kirstie Gordon added another as Sri Lanka slipped to 135/7, leaving the outcome hanging in the balance.
Nilakshi keeps her cool to guide Sri Lanka home
With wickets falling regularly, Nilakshi played the defining innings of the chase. Displaying remarkable composure under pressure, she remained unbeaten on 21 from 21 deliveries, rotating the strike effectively and ensuring Sri Lanka never lost complete control of the chase. Kaushani Nuthyangana contributed a valuable 12, while Sugandika’s unbeaten seven from five deliveries proved decisive in the closing stages as the pair supported Nilakshi in taking Sri Lanka across the finish line with one ball remaining.
Despite Scotland’s spirited bowling display and late fightback, Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target to register a hard-fought three-wicket victory. Nilakshi’s calm finish under pressure earned her the Player of the Match award as Sri Lanka collected another important win in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
