England women score facile win over Sri Lanka by Cricketarchive Staff Reporter

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Scorecard:	England Women v Sri Lanka Women
Player:	LE Kaushalya, LA Marsh, CE Taylor
Event:	ICC Women's World Cup 2008/09

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DateLine: 7th March 2009

 

Claire Taylor's century helped England swept aside Sri Lanka in Canberra. Taylor's 101 off 95 balls, her eighth ODI hundred, was the key display in England's formidable 5 for 277 and they were never in danger of defeat as Sri Lanka reached 7 for 177 in 50 overs. Taylor entered after the openers Caroline Atkins and Sarah Taylor started the tournament with an 80-run stand.

 

Sarah Taylor was the first to go for 38 before Atkins followed her after bringing up a half-century, and Claire Taylor continued to build the momentum. Taylor departed in the 48th over and left with her side in complete control. Charlotte Edwards (27) and Lydia Greenway (32 not out) contributed with some useful knocks towards the end. Eshani Lokusooriya was the impressive bowler with 2 for 41 which included the wickets off Atkins and Taylor.

 

Sri Lanka began with a 48-run opening partnership between Dedunu de Silva (27) and Chamari Polgampola (15), but with the mounting run-rate the pair could not force the issue. Suwini de Alwis, the No. 5, started brightly and struck 37 from 50 balls, but it didn't help make the target easier.

 

Laura Marsh picked up three wickets to provide regular trouble and three run-outs also assisted in the comfortable victory. England will next take on India at North Sydney Oval on Tuesday.