Danni Wyatt-Hodge Shines in England's Dominant T20 World Cup Opener Against Sri Lanka
In a dazzling display at the Women's T20 World Cup held at Edgbaston, Danni Wyatt-Hodge led England to a resounding victory over Sri Lanka with an impressive 105 not out off 62 balls. This remarkable performance marked the beginning of the tournament on a high note for England. Wyatt-Hodge celebrated her century by rocking her bat in her arms, a heartfelt gesture shortly after welcoming her first child just three weeks prior. She formed a formidable partnership with Amy Jones, putting on 135 runs for the first wicket, before Jones fell for 53 runs off 38 balls. The momentum continued as captain Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed with a swift 46 not out from 22 balls, propelling England to a staggering total of 219-1, the highest score ever recorded in a women’s T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka struggled throughout their innings, managing only 132 runs in 19.5 overs. Key player Chamari Athapaththu was dismissed for just 4 runs, thanks to a stunning catch by Wyatt-Hodge. Additionally, Freya Kemp shone with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 21 runs, ensuring a comfortable 87-run victory for England. Despite concerns about her form leading into the tournament, Wyatt-Hodge's performance dispelled any doubts. Her only missed opportunity came from a run-out in the sixth over, which Sri Lanka failed to capitalize on. As she celebrated her milestone, Sciver-Brunt lifted her in joy, a poignant moment shared between two mothers on the team. Looking ahead, England prepares for their next match against Ireland on Tuesday in Southampton, as they aim to build on this perfect start to the tournament.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-12