England Women crushed Sri Lanka Women by 87 runs in the opening match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston. After being invited to bat first, England Women posted a massive 219/1 in 20 overs. Amy Jones and Danni Wyatt-Hodge gave England a flying start, adding 135 runs for the first wicket in 13.4 overs. After Jones was dismissed in the 14th over, Nat Sciver-Brunt took charge and stitched together an unbeaten 84-run partnership for the second wicket with Wyatt-Hodge.
Jones scored a blazing half-century, while Wyatt-Hodge played a magnificent unbeaten knock of 105 off 62 balls. Sciver-Brunt remained unbeaten on 46 from just 22 deliveries. Malki Madara (1/51 in 4 overs) was the only wicket-taker and the most successful bowler for Sri Lanka Women.
In reply, Sri Lanka Women never looked comfortable during the chase and lost wickets at regular intervals. Freya Kemp led the bowling attack with figures of 4/22 in four overs, while Charlie Dean (2/18 in 3 overs) and Sophie Ecclestone (2/27 in 4 overs) provided excellent support as England dismantled Sri Lanka's batting line-up. Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith also took one wicket each. Nilakshi de Silva and Harshitha Samarawickrama offered some resistance, but it was not enough to challenge the target.
With the comprehensive victory, England Women began their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a winning note.
England Openers Lay the Perfect Foundation
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. However, the decision quickly backfired as England's opening pair took control from the start.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones put together a superb 135-run partnership from just 82 balls. The duo attacked the bowlers with confidence and never allowed Sri Lanka to settle.
The pair had not opened together regularly in recent years. However, the reunion proved highly successful as they dominated throughout the powerplay and beyond.
England reached 51 without loss after six overs and continued to score at a rapid pace.
Wyatt-Hodge Produces a Special Knock
At 35 years old and playing in her eighth T20 World Cup, Wyatt-Hodge delivered one of the finest innings of her career. Having recently returned from maternity leave, she looked completely in control at the crease. She mixed experience with aggressive stroke play and punished anything loose.
She reached her half-century from just 33 balls, striking eight boundaries along the way. After reaching the milestone, she celebrated with her now-famous Bebeto-style rock-a-baby gesture.
Soon after, she hit the first six of the tournament with a powerful shot over long-on. Wyatt-Hodge remained unbeaten on 105 from 62 balls. It was her third T20I century and her first since returning to international cricket.
She reached the landmark in the final over before finishing the innings in style with another big hit over long-off.
Jones and Sciver-Brunt Provide Strong Support
While Wyatt-Hodge grabbed the headlines, Amy Jones also played a crucial role. Jones scored a quick-fire fifty from 34 balls and kept the scoreboard moving throughout her stay at the crease. Her innings justified England's decision to restore her to the opening position.
After Jones departed, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt continued the assault. Playing purely as a batter following a recent calf injury, Sciver-Brunt looked in outstanding touch. She smashed an unbeaten 46 from only 22 balls and struck six boundaries.
Her elegant stroke play helped England cross the 200-run mark and finish with a daunting total of 219.
Sri Lanka Struggle in Huge Chase
Chasing 220 was always going to be a difficult task. Sri Lanka needed a strong start but lost momentum early. England's bowlers maintained pressure and never allowed the visitors to build meaningful partnerships.
Lauren Bell claimed England's first wicket of the tournament when she trapped Vishmi Gunaratne lbw. Soon after, England produced one of the standout moments of the match in the field.
Wyatt-Hodge Shines Again With Stunning Catch
Wyatt-Hodge followed her century with a remarkable catch to dismiss Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu. Running across deep square leg, she completed a spectacular catch that energized both her teammates and the crowd.
The dismissal removed Sri Lanka's biggest threat and further tilted the contest in England's favour. Although Wyatt-Hodge later dropped two difficult chances, her overall contribution remained outstanding.
Freya Kemp Rips Through Sri Lanka
Freya Kemp then took centre stage with the ball. The left-arm seamer initially conceded a six to Harshitha Samarawickrama. However, she bounced back immediately and triggered a collapse.
Kemp picked up four wickets for 21 runs and dismantled Sri Lanka's lower order. At one stage, she claimed three wickets in the space of four deliveries. Her spell effectively ended any hopes of a Sri Lankan comeback.
England's Bowlers Complete the Job
England's fielding and bowling remained sharp throughout the innings. Linsey Smith chipped in with a wicket, while the fielders supported the bowlers with several excellent catches.
Veteran spinner Sophie Ecclestone wrapped up the innings by taking two wickets in the final over. Sri Lanka never came close to the target and eventually fell 87 runs short.
Brief Scorecard
