CWC 2025 [WATCH]: Sophie Ecclestone delivers a beautiful ball to send away Chamari Athapaththu during the clash between ENG-W and SL-W

A moment of brilliance lit up the R. Premadasa Stadium Sophie Ecclestone produced a delivery worth the opportunity to remove Chamari athapathhuthe Sri Lankan skipper and major hope in their 2025 Women’s World Cup pursuit. With the home side still needing more than 100 runs, Ecclestone’s magical spin broke the backbone of Sri Lanka‘s innings. The crowd fell silent as Athapaththu’s dismissal marked a decisive turning point in the match.

Women’s World Cup 2025: Sophie Ecclestone’s magic ball stuns Chamari Athapaththu

Bowling with impeccable control and guile, Sophie Ecclestone created a left-arm spinner’s dream experience. She tossed it up invitingly, driving it in just enough to entice Athapaththu into a confident ride. But the ball had other plans: it dived sharply, gripped the surface and spun viciously along the inside edge. In a flash it crept through the small gap between the bat and the pad and clattered against the stumps with a thud that silenced Colombo. Athapaththu, who had fought hard for her 15 off 39 balls, could only stare in disbelief. Ecclestone’s response was calm yet impressive. She knew the meaning of that breakthrough. With this wicket she claimed her fourth scalp of the evening, consolidating England’s grip on the match. A masterclass in flight, spin and precision, Ecclestone once again proved why she is the world’s leading spinner in women’s cricket.

Here’s the video:

READ also: Women’s World Cup 2025: Fans erupt as Nat Sciver-Brunt pushes England to 253/9 with her record-breaking century against Sri Lanka in Colombo

Women’s World Cup 2025 NL Women vs SL Women, 12th match

England posted a competitive total of 253/9 in their 50 overs after Sri Lanka asked him to bat first. Skipper Nat SPE Brunt led from the front with an excellent 117 off 117 balls, anchoring the innings as wickets continued to tumble around her. Early on, Tammy Beaumont (32) provided a solid start before Sri Lanka broke through Inoka Ranaweera (3/33) and Ugauka in money (2/66). The middle order struggled to convert starts but Sciver-Brunt’s composed century saw England cross the 250 mark.

Chasing 254, Sri Lanka’s innings was shaken early when skipper Athapaththu retired hurt at the age of 7 and suffered a huge setback. Hasini Perera (35) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (33) tried to rebuild, but Ecclestone’s brilliant spell (4/17) dismantled the middle order. England’s disciplined bowling and tight fielding have consistently troubled Sri Lanka.

At the end of 37 overs, Sri Lanka are 143/6 and still need 111 runs from 78 balls with a required run rate of 8.53. The task seems difficult now that England are in full control, but Sri Lanka’s hopes are high Nilakshika Silva (15)* and Dewmi Vihanga (3)* to organize a late fight. With Chamari back after recovering from the cramps, Sri Lanka will need something extraordinary to figure this out under the lights in Colombo.

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This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.