Sri Lanka vs Scotland Women T20 World Cup Preview & Tips - Sri Lanka to keep CWC knockout hopes alive with vital win

Scotland Women were soundly beaten by New Zealand in their last game as they slumped to a six-wicket defeat. 

Restricting Ireland to 130/5 saw Sri Lanka's bowlers impress with their decent economy rates, but it was Chamari Athapaththu that stole the show with her stunning unbeaten 106 from 61 deliveries. Featuring 17 boundaries and two maximums, she took Ireland's bowlers to the cleaners in a brilliant display of hitting. 

Their win means they are still alive in the battle for a knockout spot, although they need England to beat New Zealand, Ireland to beat the West Indies and Sri Lanka need to hammer Scotland. England beating New Zealand is the likely outcome of their match while they will fancy their chances against Scotland. However, winless Ireland beating a Windies side that have won three of their four is a long shot. 

Despite this, Sri Lanka will go all out to win their final group game, and I back them to do just that as they make it three wins in five matches. 

Their last game ended in a six-wicket defeat to New Zealand. Despite Darcey Carter's impressive 72 not out from 52, Scotland's 131/7 always looked about 20 runs short of a truly competitive score, and so it proved. New Zealand won with six wickets and 10 deliveries to spare as they kept their own knockout hopes alive whilst dashing Scotland's. 

With little to play for and three consecutive defeats against Sri Lanka in the T20 game, I am backing against Scotland winning this one as they end their World Cup campaign with four defeats in five.