England's fading CricInfo Women's World Cup hopes will not rest on their game tomorrow with Sri Lanka at Lincoln University's BIL Oval.

Rather, it depends on the prospect of upsets occurring with Ireland either beating South Africa, or the game being rained out.

The best England can do going into today's game is play with that prospect in mind and leave itself open to the elements.

Such has been the weather in Canterbury since the opening day, there has been no rain delays and even optimists are wondering when the fine spell will break.

England should beat Sri Lanka which has already won its mini-World Cup by finishing sixth and gaining the right to play in the next World Cup.

The match is virtually the last chance for the brittle English batting to sort itself out and take advantage of time in the middle.

England's bowling should be too good for the plucky Sri Lankans but the batting will be under the greatest test.

As has been the case for many matches involving the minnow nations in the tournament, there is still plenty for both sides to play for.

Sri Lanka would like nothing more than a top nation scalp to claim for its under-supported side at home while England needs to make the most of this opportunity.

© CricInfo