The Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 got off to a spectacular start as England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge produced a batting masterclass against Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team at Edgbaston.
Wyatt-Hodge remained unbeaten on 105 from 62 balls and guided England to a dominant 87-run victory. Her brilliant knock became only the seventh century in Women’s T20 World Cup history and helped England post the highest team total ever recorded in the tournament.
Wyatt-Hodge Leads England’s Record-Breaking Batting Show
England’s innings began positively, with Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones putting immediate pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers.
The opening pair added runs quickly during the Powerplay. England crossed the 50-run mark inside six overs and never slowed down afterward.
Wyatt-Hodge found her rhythm early. She struck boundaries regularly and punished loose deliveries with confidence. Her aggressive approach ensured England maintained a high scoring rate throughout the innings.
Meanwhile, Amy Jones provided excellent support. She scored 53 runs from just 38 balls and shared a century partnership with Wyatt-Hodge. The stand laid the perfect platform for a massive total.
Century Milestone Arrives in Style
Wyatt-Hodge reached her half-century in only 32 deliveries. Soon after, she cleared the ropes for the tournament’s first six.
Her innings continued to gather momentum as Sri Lanka struggled to find answers. Even after Jones departed in the 14th over, England’s scoring rate remained high.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt arrived at the crease and immediately attacked. She smashed 46 runs from only 22 balls and accelerated the scoring during the final overs.
The last over produced 26 runs as England surged beyond the 200-run mark. Wyatt-Hodge completed her century during the closing stages, finishing unbeaten on 105.
England eventually posted 219/1 in 20 overs, the highest total in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Sri Lanka’s Chase Never Took Off
Chasing a daunting target, Sri Lanka suffered early setbacks.
The top order collapsed under pressure as Chamari Athapaththu, Vishmi Gunaratne and Imesha Dulani all fell for single-digit scores. As a result, Sri Lanka slipped to 37/3 during the Powerplay.
England’s bowlers then tightened their grip on the contest.
Fast bowler Freya Kemp delivered a superb spell and picked up four wickets for 22 runs. Her breakthroughs ensured Sri Lanka never built any meaningful partnerships.
Although Nilakshika Silva fought hard with 39 runs from 33 balls, the required run rate continued to climb.
Additionally, Charlotte Dean and Sophie Ecclestone claimed two wickets each to complete England’s dominant performance.
Sri Lanka finished on 132 all out from 20 overs.
England Make Strong Statement at Home World Cup
England could not have asked for a better start to their home World Cup campaign.
Their batters showcased power, consistency, and smart shot selection throughout the innings. Moreover, the bowling unit backed up the batting effort with a disciplined display.
Wyatt-Hodge’s unbeaten century will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the finest innings in Women’s T20 World Cup history. More importantly, it has given England early momentum in the tournament.
With a record-breaking total and a comprehensive victory, the hosts have already sent a strong message to the rest of the competition.
Match Summary
England Women: 219/1 (20 overs)
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge 105* (62)
- Amy Jones 53 (38)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt 46* (22)
Sri Lanka Women: 132 all out (20 overs)
- Nilakshika Silva 39 (33)
- Freya Kemp 4/22
- Charlotte Dean 2/18
- Sophie Ecclestone 2/27
Result: England Women won by 87 runs.