Manchester, England (June 26, 2026): Sri Lanka kept their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final hopes alive with a dramatic three-wicket victory over Scotland at Old Trafford, although their qualification now depends on results elsewhere after failing to secure the sizeable net run rate boost they required.

Chasing 152, Sri Lanka held their nerve to reach 154 for 7 with one ball to spare, recording their third victory of the tournamentβ€”the nation's best-ever campaign at a Women's T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka keep their ICC Women's T20 World Cup knockout hopes alive with a thrilling last-over victory over Scotland. Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

After electing to field, Sri Lanka made early inroads despite a positive start from Scotland. Darcey Carter continued her impressive form with 34 from 36 balls, while Katherine Fraser struck 12 before Nilakshika Silva produced a superb low catch to dismiss her.

Scotland reached 67 for 2 at the halfway mark but struggled to accelerate as Sri Lanka's bowlers tightened their grip. Kavisha Dilhari bowled economically for figures of 1 for 19, while Mithali Ayodhya claimed 2 for 34.

Captain Kathryn Bryce fell for 23 after offering a return catch to Dilhari, and wicketkeeper Kaushani Nuthyangana produced a sharp catch to dismiss Carter off Sugandika Kumari.

A 53-run partnership between Sarah Bryce and Ailsa Lister revived Scotland before two run-outs in successive deliveries halted the momentum. Lister was run out for 26, followed immediately by Priyanaz Chatterji, while Ayodhya bowled Pippa Sproul for a duck. Sarah Bryce anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 as Scotland closed on 151 for 6.

Sri Lanka's reply was powered by captain Chamari Athapaththu, who carried her rich form from the previous match into another explosive start. The left-hander dominated the opening overs, hammering 33 from just 16 balls, including an 18-run assault on teenage spinner Gabriella Fontenla.

Scotland fought back through Katherine Fraser, who removed Athapaththu and later trapped Hansima Karunaratne lbw. Hasini Perera added 23 before Kathryn Bryce struck another crucial blow, while Harshitha Samarawickrama contributed a steady 27.

With Sri Lanka slipping to 102 for 5 in the 13th over, Scotland sensed an upset. Kirstie Gordon further increased the pressure by dismissing Dilhari and delivering a miserly spell that left Sri Lanka needing 25 from the final three overs.

Kaushani Nuthyangana's quickfire 12, featuring two boundaries, kept Sri Lanka in contention before she was dismissed, leaving seven runs required from the final over.

The closing moments were filled with drama when Scotland seamer Rachel Slater suffered an injury after three deliveries of the last over, forcing Priyanaz Chatterji to complete it. Sri Lanka remained composed, finding the decisive boundary before sealing victory with one ball remaining.

Sri Lanka must now await the outcomes of West Indies' match against Ireland and New Zealand's clash with England to determine whether their semi-final dream survives.

Brief Scores: Scotland 151/6 in 20 overs (Sarah Bryce 47*, Darcey Carter 34; Mithali Ayodhya 2/34) lost to Sri Lanka 154/7 in 19.5 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 33, Harshitha Samarawickrama 27; Katherine Fraser 2/25, Kathryn Bryce 2/28) by three wickets.