England Women Ease to Victory Over Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup Opener

Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s unbeaten century helped England beat Sri Lanka by 87 runs in the opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston.

Chasing a tough target of 220, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 132 in 20 overs, even though Nilakshika Silva played a fighting innings.

Silva was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with a valiant 37 off 32 balls. Besides her, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, and Hansima Karunaratne were the only other batters to reach double figures against a strong England bowling attack.

Sri Lanka’s call to bowl first at the flat Edgbaston track did not work out, as England piled up 219/1 in the first innings.

England started their innings in explosive fashion, with Amy Jones and Wyatt-Hodge putting on a quick 135-run opening stand. Malki Madara finally broke the partnership in the 14th over, getting Jones caught at mid-off.

After her dismissal, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt came in to join Wyatt-Hodge at the crease. The pair kept England’s momentum going and added an unbeaten 80 runs for the second wicket, taking the team past the 200-mark.

Due to scoring a remarkable century off just 62 balls, Danni Wyatt-Hodge received the Player of the Match award. Her knock was certainly special, as it gave England a strong edge over Sri Lanka in the World Cup opener.