England kicked off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Sri Lanka by 87 runs at Edgbaston after producing a clinical performance with both bat and ball.
Danielle Wyatt-Hodge starred with a magnificent century at the top of the order before the English bowlers dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting lineup to seal a convincing victory in the tournament opener.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s unbeaten century lays the foundation
After being put in to bat, England made full use of the conditions and posted a daunting total of 219/1 in their allotted 20 overs. Wyatt Hodge led the charge with a sensational 105 off just 62 deliveries, striking 13 boundaries and a six in a commanding innings that earned her the Player of the Match award.
She found an able partner in Amy Jones, who contributed 53 from 38 balls with four fours and a six as the pair gave England an excellent start. Once Jones departed, Natalie Sciver ensured there was no let-up in scoring, smashing an unbeaten 46 from only 22 deliveries, including six fours and a maximum. The partnership between Wyatt-Hodge and Sciver accelerated England’s innings dramatically in the closing overs, leaving Sri Lanka’s bowlers under immense pressure.
Malki Madara was the only wicket-taker for Sri Lanka but conceded 51 runs in her four overs. The rest of the bowling attack also struggled to contain England’s aggressive batting as the hosts crossed the 200-run mark with ease.
England bowlers dominate after strong start
Facing a massive target of 220, Sri Lanka never managed to build meaningful partnerships. Their chase got off to a poor start as key batters Vishmi Rajapaksha Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu and Imesha Dulani fell cheaply, leaving the side under early pressure.
Harshitha Samarawickrama briefly counterattacked with a brisk 29 off 18 balls, while Nilakshi de Silva fought valiantly with 39 from 33 deliveries to provide some resistance in the middle order. Kavisha Dilhari added 19, but regular wickets prevented Sri Lanka from sustaining any momentum.
England’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Freya Kemp produced the standout performance with outstanding figures of 4/22 from her four overs, removing crucial batters and effectively ending Sri Lanka’s hopes of a comeback. Charlotte Dean and Sophie Ecclestone chipped in with two wickets each, while Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith claimed one apiece to ensure Sri Lanka were restricted to 132 all out in 20 overs.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.