Danni Wyatt-Hodge produced one of the most memorable performances of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 as her unbeaten century powered England to a dominant victory over Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. But while the runs helped launch England’s campaign in style, it was her emotional celebration that captured hearts around the cricketing world.
After reaching three figures, Wyatt-Hodge cradled her bat like a baby in a touching tribute to her newborn daughter Daisy, creating one of the defining images of the tournament’s opening week.
A Century on the Biggest Stage
England entered their opening World Cup match carrying the pressure of performing in front of a home crowd, but Wyatt-Hodge embraced the occasion brilliantly.
Opening the batting alongside Amy Jones, the experienced right-hander produced a flawless innings of 105 not out from 62 deliveries, guiding England to a record-breaking total before helping secure a comprehensive 87-run victory.
The century was her third in T20 internationals and her first since returning to cricket following the birth of her daughter earlier this year.
When the milestone arrived, emotions quickly took over. After punching the air in celebration, Wyatt-Hodge shared an embrace with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt before rocking her bat like a baby, dedicating the innings to Daisy.
A Celebration Filled with Meaning
The moment carried extra significance given the personal journey Wyatt-Hodge has experienced in recent months.
Speaking after the match, she explained how special it was to celebrate alongside Sciver-Brunt, who is also a mother.
“It was really nice to have her in the middle to celebrate that hundred with her, two mummies,” Wyatt-Hodge said.
The England opener admitted she became nervous as she approached the milestone, especially with the crowd willing her towards three figures.
Nat Sciver-Brunt’s calm advice helped settle those nerves.
“She just said, ‘just take a breath and just time it’,” Wyatt-Hodge revealed.
Motivation from Daisy
As the innings progressed, Wyatt-Hodge realised a century was within reach and immediately thought about her daughter.
“I was on about 90 and I thought I could actually get a hundred now and do it for Daisy,” she said.
When the boundary finally arrived to take her into triple figures, the relief and joy were obvious.
“I’ve been after that third T20 hundred for a few years now, so I was absolutely delighted to get it at Edgbaston in front of my family. It was really special.”
Balancing Motherhood and Cricket
The innings became even more remarkable considering Wyatt-Hodge’s limited preparation.
She missed England’s white-ball series against New Zealand following Daisy’s birth in May and had only played two international matches before the World Cup opener. Her scores against India and in the warm-up games suggested she was still finding rhythm after returning to the squad.
Yet when the tournament began, she looked completely at ease.
The 35-year-old credited motherhood for giving her a fresh perspective on cricket and life.
“It puts a whole new perspective on things,” she explained. “It’s all I think about. It’s just incredible.”
Looking Ahead
One of the most emotional aspects of the story is that Wyatt-Hodge had not seen Daisy since joining England’s squad before the India series in late May.
That reunion was set to happen shortly after the Sri Lanka match, with England travelling to Southampton for their next World Cup fixture.
The thought of having Daisy in the stands provided even more motivation for the remainder of the tournament.
“I can’t wait for her to come and cheer us on for the rest of the World Cup,” Wyatt-Hodge said.
England’s Veteran Still Delivering
At 35 years old and appearing in her eighth T20 World Cup, Wyatt-Hodge continues to prove her value to England.
Her century not only helped launch England’s campaign in emphatic fashion but also served as a reminder of her enduring quality at the highest level.
More importantly, it provided a moment that went far beyond cricket. The image of Wyatt-Hodge rocking her bat in honour of Daisy perfectly captured the balance between elite sport and motherhood, creating a memory that will live long after the tournament ends.
