Sri Lanka survive Scottish scare to claim four-wicket win

Sri Lanka survived a spirited Scotland fightback to clinch a four-wicket victory in the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, with Vishmi Gunaratne's crucial 49 proving the difference.

Chasing a modest 112, Sri Lanka appeared in control before losing three wickets for just six runs, but eventually crawled home with 11 balls to spare. Gunaratne struck three fours and a six in her 41-ball innings, holding the chase together after Scotland had threatened to turn the contest on its head.

Earlier, Darcey Carter played a lone hand for the Scots, scoring 62 from 55 deliveries as her side struggled to 111 for eight. Scotland were in desperate trouble at 26 for four after eight overs, with Katherine Fraser falling for a duck and both Bryce sisters departing cheaply. Carter stood firm, but received little support until Megan McColl contributed 16 in a sixth-wicket stand of 37.

Sri Lanka's disciplined attack kept the pressure on, with Sugandika Kumari claiming two for 15 and Sathya Sandeepani two for 18. Nimasha Meepage was equally economical, taking one for 15.

Scotland made the perfect start to their defence when skipper Kathryn Bryce trapped Hasini Perera lbw in the opening over. However, Gunaratne steadied the innings alongside Imesha Dulani (16) before adding 34 with captain Harshitha Samarawickrama (24).

At 77 for three, Sri Lanka looked comfortable, but Abtaha Maqsood sparked a dramatic collapse, removing Kavisha Dilhari and Nilakshika Silva in the space of three deliveries. Suddenly 83 for five, Sri Lanka were under pressure, but Gunaratne and Kaushini Nuthyangana added 26 to ease the tension.

Maqsood returned excellent figures of three for 18, while Chloe Abel impressed with one for eight from two overs.

Gunaratne fell with victory almost secured, leaving Nuthyangana, unbeaten on 16, to finish the job and deny Scotland an upset.