Pretoria:Claire Taylor blasted a her second One-day international century to spur England eves to a formidable 284-4 in their allotted fifty overs against Sri Lanka in the Women's World Cup in Pretoria here.

The seasoned batswoman cracked 136 off 128 balls, which contained 11 boundaries and a six. Charlotte Edwards and skipper Clare Connor lent good support chipping in with half-centuries.

Earlier, opting to bat after winning the toss, England eves began their innings on a disastrous note when Laura Newton was trapped for three.

The early setback didn't dampen their spirits as Taylor strung together 128 runs with Charlotte Edwards, who smacked eight fours in her knock off 63 before she perished to a catch off Priyanga de Alwis.

Taylor raised another century partnership of 119 with Clare Connorn which gave their innings the tempo they required towards the end. Praba Udawatte was the best of the Sri Lankan bowlers finishing with returns of 3-38.

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