England Women kicked off the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in stunning fashion – and what a way to start!
Edgbaston in Birmingham was buzzing on Friday evening as the hosts took on Sri Lanka in the tournament’s opening Group 2 clash. From the very first ball, England made it clear they meant business.
A Record-Breaking Opening Partnership
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and opted to field — but it was England who immediately seized control. Openers Amy Jones and Danni Wyatt-Hodge put on a masterclass in attacking batting, building England’s highest-ever opening partnership in Women’s T20 World Cup history – a stand worth 135 runs. OlympicsOlympics
Wyatt-Hodge’s Brilliant Ton
The star of the show was undoubtedly Danni Wyatt-Hodge. She smashed an unbeaten 105 from just 62 balls, lighting up Edgbaston with boundaries all around the ground. Amy Jones chipped in with a stylish 53 off 38, while captain Nat Sciver-Brunt finished with an explosive unbeaten 46 off 22 deliveries to take England to a massive total. OlympicsOlympics
Sciver-Brunt Makes History
It wasn’t just Wyatt-Hodge writing her name in the record books. Sciver-Brunt surpassed Charlotte Edwards’ tally of 768 runs, becoming England’s all-time leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 World Cup history. A truly special moment for the England captain. Olympics
Sri Lanka Outclassed
Chasing a daunting target, Sri Lanka could only manage 132/10 in their 20 overs, with Nilakshika Silva top-scoring with 37 off 32. England’s bowlers were clinical – Freya Kemp was outstanding, taking 4 wickets for just 21 runs to wrap up a dominant 87-run victory. OlympicsOlympics
What’s Next?
England sit at the top of Group 2 after this commanding win. With home crowd support and this kind of form, they look every bit like title contenders. England Women have never lost a World Cup they have hosted – either ODI or T20I – and on this evidence, that record looks very safe indeed. ICC Cricket
Cricket fans, this tournament is just getting started – and England are already making a statement! 🏏
