Birmingham: Danny Wyatt-Hodge’s unbeaten century and Freya Kemp’s four-wicket haul helped England beat Sri Lanka by 87 runs in the opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston on Friday.
Chasing a tough target of 220 runs, Sri Lanka were all out for 132 runs in 20 overs thanks to Nilakshika Silva’s spirited performance.
Silva remained Sri Lanka’s top scorer with 37 off 32 balls, while Harshitha Samarawickrama (29), Kavisha Dilhari (19) and Hansima Karunaratne (11) were the other players to score double figures against a ruthless England bowling.
Her bowling exploits were supported by Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Deane, who claimed two wickets each, while Lauren Bell and Lynsey Smith chipped in with a scalp each.
Sri Lankan skipper Samari Athappathu’s decision to bat first backfired as the home side piled up 219/1 in 20 overs.
England started their innings with flying colors as the opening pair of Amy Jones and Wyatt-Hodge put on 135 runs together.
Malki Madara eventually broke the century-plus stand when Jones was caught at mid-off on the fourth delivery of the 14th over. The wicketkeeper batsman was out again after scoring 53 runs off 38 balls with 4 fours and a six.
Following Jones’ dismissal, captain Nat Skiver-Brunt joined Wyatt-Hodge in the middle and the duo ensured England kept the momentum going, eventually putting on an unbeaten 80 for the second wicket to take the home side past 200.
Wyatt-Hodge remained England’s top scorer with an unbeaten 101 off 61 balls with 12 fours and a six, earning her the man of the match award.
On the other hand, captain Skiver-Friend was the key contributor with 46 off 22 balls with 6 fours and a six.
Madara, who dismissed Jones, took Sri Lanka’s lone wicket.