Danni Wyatt-Hodge scored an unbeaten 105 runs off 62 balls to lead England to a commanding victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup at Edgbaston on June 12, 2026 [1, 2].
England posted a team total of 219-1 in their 20 overs, the highest score ever recorded in a Women's T20 World Cup match [1, 2]. Wyatt-Hodge's innings included a 135-run opening partnership with Amy Jones, who contributed 53 runs from 38 balls [1, 2]. After Jones was dismissed, Nat Sciver-Brunt supported the innings with an unbeaten 46 runs off 22 balls, helping England finish strongly [1, 2].
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 132 runs in 19.5 overs, handing England an 87-run victory [1, 2]. Freya Kemp was the standout bowler for England, taking four wickets for 22 runs and dismantling key middle-order Sri Lankan batters [1, 2]. Wyatt-Hodge also took a stunning catch to dismiss Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu for four runs. "I thought I was going to run into Jackie [Williams], the umpire. It was really windy and blustery. I lost the ball for a couple of seconds and then managed to see it, put my hands out and grabbed it," she said [1, 2].
The century held special meaning for Wyatt-Hodge, who had a daughter three weeks ago and dedicated her innings to her newborn. "I was on about 90 and I thought I have to get a hundred for Daisy. I did it for my three-week-old daughter," she said [3]. She added, "I’ve been after that third T20 hundred for a few years now, so I’m chuffed to bits to get it. I’ve had a big life change the last few weeks, so it was pretty emotional. A few of the girls said they had a few tears" [2].
Wyatt-Hodge praised Kemp's bowling, calling her "Big Dog Kemp" for her straightforward approach. "She just keeps it simple and bowls on the stumps," Wyatt-Hodge commented [2].
England will now prepare for their next fixture in the Women's T20 World Cup following the comprehensive opening win.
