Sri Lanka edge Scotland in tense T20 World Cup win

Sri Lanka kept their narrow hopes of reaching the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals alive after securing a tense three-wicket victory over Scotland in Manchester. Chasing a target of 152, the team achieved the win with just one ball remaining to complicate Scotland's path to direct qualification for the 2028 tournament.

The tense chase came down to the final over with seven runs required. Nilakshika Silva and Sugandika Kumari managed to accumulate runs against Rachel Slater before the bowler sustained a knee injury, forcing Priyanaz Chatterji to complete the over. Sugandika Kumari struck the winning boundary through the short third-man region with two runs needed from the final two deliveries. Sri Lanka now depend on England defeating New Zealand and Ireland securing a heavy victory over the West Indies to progress to the knockout stage.

Earlier, Scotland posted 151 for six after a strong start from opening batters Darcey Carter, who scored 34, and Katherine Fraser. Sarah Bryce anchored the backend of the innings with an unbeaten 47 to push the total past 150. Mithali Ayodhya claimed two wickets for Sri Lanka, while Nilakshika Silva executed a crucial run-out.

In response, captain Chamari Athapaththu provided a rapid start for Sri Lanka, striking 33 off 16 deliveries. Despite a mid-innings collapse triggered by Katherine Fraser, who took two wickets for 25 runs, a composed partnership between Nilakshika Silva and Sugandika Kumari ensured the victory despite late fielding errors from Scotland.