England Women launched their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a statement victory, crushing Sri Lanka Women by 87 runs at Edgbaston. Backed by a vocal home crowd of 14,865 spectators, the hosts produced a complete performance, led by a magnificent unbeaten century from Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
The experienced opener starred with 105 not out from 62 deliveries, helping England post a tournament record total of 219/1 before their bowlers wrapped up a dominant victory.
England Openers Set the Platform
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu opted to bowl first. England’s opening pair of Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones quickly made that decision look costly.
The duo combined for a record 135-run opening partnership, the highest opening stand for England in Women’s T20 World Cup history. Both batters played positively from the start, rotating the strike effectively while punishing anything loose.
Jones provided excellent support with a fluent 53 from 38 deliveries before becoming the only wicket to fall, dismissed by Malki Madara in the 14th over.
By that stage, England had already seized complete control of the contest.
Wyatt-Hodge and Sciver-Brunt Finish in Style
Wyatt-Hodge continued to dominate after Jones’ departure, displaying a perfect blend of timing, power, and experience. The 35-year-old reached her maiden Women’s T20 World Cup century and her third T20I hundred overall, finishing unbeaten on 105 from 62 balls with 13 boundaries and one six.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt added further momentum after arriving at number three. Playing purely as a batter as she continues her return from injury, Sciver-Brunt blasted an unbeaten 46 from only 22 balls.
The pair’s aggressive finish propelled England to 219/1, the highest total ever recorded in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Madara was the only Sri Lankan bowler to claim a wicket, finishing with figures of 1/51 from her four overs.
England Bowlers Complete Dominant Display
Sri Lanka needed a record chase of 220, but England’s bowlers never allowed them to settle.
Lauren Bell struck early once again, removing Vishmi Gunaratne in the third over. England’s disciplined attack reduced Sri Lanka to 39/3 during the powerplay, placing the visitors immediately under pressure.
Although several Sri Lankan batters showed intent, none could produce the substantial innings required to challenge the massive target.
Nilakshika Silva top-scored with 37 from 33 balls, while Harshitha Samarawickrama contributed 29 from 18 deliveries. Kavisha Dilhari added 19, and Hansima Karunaratne chipped in with 11, but wickets continued to fall regularly.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 132 on the final ball of the innings.
Freya Kemp Stars with the Ball
While Wyatt-Hodge dominated with the bat, Freya Kemp produced a career-best performance with the ball.
The left-arm seamer returned outstanding figures of 4/22 from her four overs, repeatedly breaking crucial partnerships and ensuring Sri Lanka never threatened a comeback.
Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone both claimed two wickets apiece, while Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith chipped in with one wicket each to complete a polished bowling display.
Perfect Start for England
The victory represents England’s third-largest winning margin by runs in Women’s T20 World Cup history and provides an ideal start to their campaign under captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and head coach Charlotte Edwards.
With Wyatt-Hodge in outstanding form, Sciver-Brunt looking sharp on her return, and the bowling attack operating effectively, England could hardly have asked for a more convincing opening performance.
Wyatt-Hodge was deservedly named Player of the Match after her unbeaten century helped England make an emphatic statement in front of their home supporters.
