Heather helps England to comprehensive win

Heather Knight once again played a major role as England powered their way to a comprehensive victory in the first ODI of their three-match series in Sri Lanka.

A brilliant 93 from Nat Sciver – alongside 79 from Amy Jones and 61 from captain Knight – saw England amass 331 for seven from their 50 overs, the highest women’s ODI total ever scored in Sri Lanka.

Jones got England off to a great start alongside Tammy Beaumont (35) before the pair were dismissed with 118 on the board, but Knight, Sciver and latterly Danni Wyatt (47) ensured England passed 300.

The hosts required something extraordinary to stay in the game with such an imposing total on the board, but early wickets ended the game as a contest inside the first 10 overs.

Katherine Brunt took three and Anya Shrubsole one to rip the heart out of the Sri Lankan reply as the hosts slipped to 46 for seven in the 14th over.

A brave eight-wicket partnership and a rain delay held England up – although there was time for Kate Cross to nab two wickets – but Sri Lanka ended on 155 for eight, giving the visitors a 154-run (DL) victory.