England became the first team from Group B to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after defeating West Indies by 38 runs at Lord’s, London, on June 24.
The inaugural champions, led by stand-in captain Charlie Dean, remained unbeaten in the tournament with another remarkable performance against Hayley Matthews’ West Indies, the 2016 champions. The previous meeting between the two sides in the Women’s T20 World Cup came in Dubai in October 2024, when West Indies defeated England to secure a semi-final place.
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the toss and chose to field first.
England suffered an early setback despite a brisk start from Amy Jones, who struck a couple of boundaries before Chenille Henry dismissed the wicketkeeper in the opening over.
Sophia Dunkley then joined Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, and the pair added 30 runs for the second wicket before Ashmini Munisar removed Dunkley for 14 from 11 balls in the fourth over.
Wyatt-Hodge continued to anchor the innings, sharing a 66-run partnership with Alice Capsey, who contributed 28 from 23 deliveries. She then added another valuable stand of 40 runs with Heather Knight, who made 43 from 26 balls.
Wyatt-Hodge top-scored with 65 from 42 balls as England posted a competitive total of 186 for 7 from their 20 overs.
For West Indies, Ashmini Munisar finished with figures of 2 for 42, while Hayley Matthews claimed 1 for 32. Aaliyah Alleyne also bowled an effective spell, conceding 27 runs from her four overs.
England Restrict West Indies Chase
West Indies made a steady start to the chase through Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews, who added 21 runs for the opening wicket.
England made the breakthrough in the fourth over when Matthews departed following a controversial caught-behind decision.
Shemaine Campbelle then joined Dottin, and the pair added a quick 25 runs before Charlie Dean dismissed Dottin for 19 from 11 balls on the penultimate delivery of the Powerplay.
West Indies slipped further to 69 for 4 in the 11th over, leaving Chenille Henry and Jahzara Claxton with a demanding task.
The pair added 63 runs for the fifth wicket but found it difficult to maintain the required scoring rate. Claxton battled hard for her 21 from 34 balls, while Henry remained unbeaten with 51 from 30 deliveries, registering her maiden T20I half-century.
Despite their efforts, West Indies finished on 148 for 5, falling 38 runs short of the target.
England Book Semi-Final Berth
Charlie Dean led England’s bowling attack with figures of 2 for 31 from her four overs. Sophie Ecclestone also impressed with 1 for 22, while Lauren Bell returned 1 for 20. Linsey Smith also contributed with a wicket during the successful defence.
Danielle Wyatt-Hodge was named Player of the Match after scoring 65 from 42 balls, including eight boundaries. The innings marked her fourth half-century in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
The victory preserved England’s unbeaten record in the tournament and secured their place in the semi-finals with one group-stage match still to play.
