Edgbaston, 13 June (H.S.): England launched their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Sri Lanka by 87 runs in the tournament’s opening match on Friday night.

Opening batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge was the architect of England’s commanding victory, producing an unbeaten 105 off 62 balls. Her knock marked only the seventh century in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Playing at Edgbaston, England posted 219 for 1 in their allotted 20 overs after being asked to bat first, registering the highest team total ever recorded in Women’s T20 World Cup history.

England made a brisk start to their innings. Amy Jones contributed 53 from 38 deliveries, while captain Nat Sciver-Brunt played a blistering knock of 46 from just 22 balls.

Wyatt-Hodge and Jones laid the foundation with a century partnership for the opening wicket, placing England in a commanding position. Wyatt-Hodge struck 13 boundaries and one six during her innings and reached her half-century in only 32 balls.

England accelerated dramatically in the closing stages as Sciver-Brunt and Wyatt-Hodge piled on the runs. The hosts collected 26 runs from the final over, with Wyatt-Hodge bringing up her century and guiding England beyond the 200-run mark.

Chasing a daunting target of 220, Sri Lanka endured a disastrous start, losing three wickets for just 37 runs during the powerplay. Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu and Imesha Dulani all departed cheaply.

England’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Freya Kemp starred with the ball, claiming four wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting line-up. Charlotte Dean and Sophie Ecclestone provided strong support, taking two wickets apiece.

For Sri Lanka, Nilakshika Silva offered the only notable resistance, scoring 39 runs from 33 balls. However, her efforts were not enough to prevent the side from finishing on 132 in 20 overs.

Brief Scores:

England: 219/1 in 20 overs

Danni Wyatt-Hodge 105 not out (62), Amy Jones 53 (38), Nat Sciver-Brunt 46 (22)

Sri Lanka: 132 in 20 overs

Nilakshika Silva 39 (33)

Bowling: Freya Kemp 4/22, Charlotte Dean 2/18, Sophie Ecclestone 2/27

Result: England won by 87 runs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar