Women's T20 World Cup: Danni Wyatt Hodge's sparkling century gets England off to a winning start

England began their campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on a winning note, beating Sri Lanka by 87 runs on Friday, June 12 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Being asked to bat first, England posted the highest score in T20 World Cup history (219/1), riding on a breathtaking century from Danny Wyatt Hodge. 

Amy Jones (53 off 38) and captain Nat Sciver Brunt (46* off 22) also flexed their batting muscles as England launched a relentless attack on Sri Lankan bowlers. In reply, Sri Lanka’s chase never got going, and they were bundled out for 132 in their allotted 20 overs as Freya Kemp starred with a four-wicket haul, while Charlotte Dean (2/18, 3 overs) and Sophie Ecclestone (2/27, 4 overs) scalped two wickets each.

Top run-scorer of the Match

Top wicket-taker of the Match

Player of the Match

Danni Wyatt Hodge was deservedly adjudged Player of the Match for her third T20I century. She first got involved in a massive 135-run opening stand off 82 balls with Amy Jones. She later added 84 runs off just 38 balls for the second wicket alongside captain Nat Sciver Brunt to propel England to a record total.

Turning Point

Sri Lanka had a poor day in the field as they dropped three chances that allowed England batters to run away with the game. They first dropped Amy Jones on 12 at deep square leg and then gave her another reprieve on 48 as Sugandika Kumari dropped a sitter of her own bowling.

England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt was also given a life on 14, allowing the hosts to post a humongous score on the board. Had Sri Lanka taken their chances, they would've been able to restrict England to a lower total and make a game out of it.

What did the captains say:

Winning Captain, Nat Sciver Brunt (England women):  

What a way to start off the first innings. Danni and Amy looked so composed in what they were doing. Danni had me running from the first ball. Happy to find the middle. Had a couple of innings in the warm-up games but nothing compares to being out there. Really composed and thought about the game in a good way. Then in the second innings, starting off with three wickets in the powerplay makes it difficult to chase a score like that.

Losing Captain, Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka women)

Not playing our best cricket today. All three departments weren't at our best. Attacking the stumps is the most important thing. Especially the spinners. Have to play positive and fearless cricket. Lost a couple of wickets in powerplay. Nilakshi batted well. New Zealand a tough team. Have to plan few things and we will bounce back.