Sri Lanka stay in Women's T20 World Cup semifinal race with thrilling win over Scotland

Sri Lanka kept their Women's T20 World Cup semifinal hopes alive with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Scotland at Old Trafford on Friday.Chasing 152, Sri Lanka reached the target on the second-last ball of the match.

Although the win kept them in contention, leaving their qualification chances dependent on other results.The match ended in dramatic fashion after Scotland pacer Rachel Slater suffered a knee injury while bowling the final over. Sri Lanka needed seven runs from the last six balls, and Slater gave away singles off the first three deliveries before collapsing in her follow-through. She left the field in tears, forcing Priyanaz Chatterji to complete the over.

Chatterji conceded a single before Sugandika Kumari struck the winning boundary with two balls remaining.

Sri Lanka needed to chase down the target inside 10.3 overs to significantly boost their net run rate, but the close finish means the West Indies can secure the second semifinal spot from the group with a convincing win over Ireland on Saturday.Scotland, playing only their second Women's T20 World Cup, were aiming to finish fourth in the group and earn direct qualification for the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup in Pakistan.

After Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce was dismissed with the score at 66/2 in the 10th over, Sarah Bryce anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 33 balls, including a boundary off the final delivery, helping Scotland post 151/6.

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu gave her side a flying start with 33 off just 16 balls in her 10th Women's T20 World Cup appearance. However, after she fell at 57/2 in the sixth over, Sri Lanka's chase slowed before they eventually crossed the line at 154/7.Saturday's fixtures include Netherlands taking on Pakistan, while already-qualified England face defending champions New Zealand.