England Women launched their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, crushing Sri Lanka by 87 runs at Edgbaston. In front of a packed home crowd, Danni Wyatt-Hodge produced a masterclass, scoring an unbeaten century to help the hosts post a daunting total.
The experienced opener remained unbeaten on 105 from 62 deliveries, striking boundaries all around the ground as England piled up 219 for 1 from their 20 overs. It was her third T20I century and a timely reminder of her value to England on the biggest stage.
Wyatt-Hodge and Jones Set the Tone
After Sri Lanka elected to field first, England’s opening pair immediately seized control of the contest.
Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones shared a magnificent opening partnership worth 135 runs, putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under relentless pressure. Jones played a crucial supporting role, compiling 53 from 34 balls while allowing Wyatt-Hodge to dominate proceedings.
The pair attacked from the outset and ensured England maintained a scoring rate close to ten runs per over throughout the innings.
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Wyatt-Hodge reached her half-century in just 33 balls and continued accelerating. Her innings featured a mixture of elegant strokeplay and powerful hitting, including the tournament’s first six. She eventually brought up her century in the final over, receiving a standing ovation from the Edgbaston crowd.
Sciver-Brunt Provides the Finishing Touch
If Sri Lanka hoped Jones’ dismissal would slow England down, Nat Sciver-Brunt quickly ended those hopes.
Returning after recovering from a calf injury, the England captain looked in complete control during her unbeaten 46 from only 22 balls. Her clean striking and clever placement ensured England crossed the 200-run mark and finished with one of the highest totals in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
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England closed on an imposing 219 for 1, leaving Sri Lanka with an almost impossible chase.
England Bowlers Finish the Job
Sri Lanka needed something special to threaten the target, but England’s bowlers never allowed them to build momentum.
Lauren Bell struck early by trapping Vishmi Gunaratne lbw before Wyatt-Hodge added to her memorable evening with a superb running catch to dismiss captain Chamari Athapaththu.
Harshitha Samarawickrama fought hard with 29, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
The star with the ball was Freya Kemp. The left-arm seamer ripped through the middle and lower order, claiming outstanding figures of 4 for 21. Her spell effectively ended any hopes of a Sri Lankan comeback.
Linsey Smith and Sophie Ecclestone also contributed important wickets as England bowled Sri Lanka out for 132.
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Perfect Start for the Hosts
England entered the tournament carrying significant expectations, and they could hardly have asked for a better opening performance.
The batting lineup displayed depth and aggression, while the bowling attack looked disciplined and versatile. Most encouragingly, key players such as Wyatt-Hodge, Sciver-Brunt and Kemp all delivered standout performances.
For Sri Lanka, there were few positives beyond brief contributions from Samarawickrama and a handful of encouraging moments in the field. They will need a rapid response if they are to challenge for a place in the knockout stages.
England, meanwhile, have sent an early message to the rest of the tournament. On the evidence of this performance, the hosts look ready to mount a serious challenge for the Women’s T20 World Cup title.
