England Women opened their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Sri Lanka Women by 87 runs in Birmingham. A brilliant unbeaten century from Danni Wyatt-Hodge and a clinical bowling display helped the hosts secure a comprehensive victory in their first match of the tournament.
After being asked to bat first, England produced one of their most complete T20 performances, combining aggressive batting with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
Wyatt-Hodge Leads England's Batting Charge
Danni Wyatt-Hodge was the standout performer of the evening, finishing unbeaten on 105 from 62 deliveries. The experienced opener controlled the innings from the start and accelerated beautifully through the middle overs.
She received excellent support from Amy Jones, who contributed a fluent 53 at the top of the order. The pair laid a strong platform before captain Nat Sciver-Brunt added late momentum with an unbeaten 46 from just 22 balls.
England's top order maintained a high scoring rate throughout the innings and finished with an imposing total of 219 for 1.
Sri Lanka Struggle in Record Chase
Chasing 220 for victory was always going to be a difficult task, and Sri Lanka never managed to build the partnerships required to stay in the contest.
Harshitha Samarawickrama offered resistance with 29 runs, but regular wickets prevented Sri Lanka from mounting any serious challenge.
England's bowlers maintained pressure from the outset and consistently struck at crucial moments.
Freya Kemp Stars with the Ball
Left-arm seamer Freya Kemp delivered a match-winning spell, claiming 4 wickets for 21 runs. Her breakthroughs in the middle overs effectively ended Sri Lanka's hopes of a comeback.
Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone also made valuable contributions as England's bowling unit worked collectively to dismiss Sri Lanka for 132.
Positive Signs for Tournament Hosts
England will be encouraged by the balance shown across all departments. Their batting depth, disciplined bowling, and energetic fielding reflected a side well prepared for the challenges ahead.
The emphatic victory provides early momentum in the tournament and sends a strong message to the other contenders. With senior players delivering on the big stage and key performers returning to form, England have started their Women's T20 World Cup campaign in ideal fashion.
Brief Score
- England Women 219/1 (20 overs)
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge 105* (62), Amy Jones 53 (34), Nat Sciver-Brunt 46* (22)
- Sri Lanka Women 132 all out (20 overs)
- Harshitha Samarawickrama 29, Freya Kemp 4/21
- England Women won by 87 runs
