England Seal Record T20 World Cup Warm-Up Win as Wyatt-Hodge Smashes 105* Against Sri Lanka

England’s Record-Breaking Start Sets the Tone for T20 World Cup 2026

Manchester, UK – 13 June 2026: England Women’s cricket team launched their campaign for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in spectacular fashion, as they crushed Sri Lanka Women by a massive margin in their opening warm-up fixture. The standout performance came from opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who blazed an unbeaten 105 off just 60 deliveries, breaking the record for the highest individual score in a Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up match.

The emphatic win, which comes ahead of the tournament officially getting underway, has sent a strong message to the competition’s heavyweights, including defending champions Australia and hosts England.

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Wyatt-Hodge’s Dominant Century Steals the Show

Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s breathtaking innings was the highlight of the match, as she punished Sri Lanka’s bowling attack with a relentless display of power-hitting. Her 105*, laced with 12 fours and 4 sixes, propelled England to a mammoth total of 198/2 from their 20 overs.

The record-breaking knock surpassed the previous best in a Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up match, previously held by Australia’s Beth Mooney. Wyatt-Hodge’s effort not only set a new benchmark but also showcased England’s depth and batting prowess ahead of the tournament.

“It was an incredible feeling to go out there and play my part. The team’s performance was brilliant, and we’re just building momentum as we head into the World Cup,” Wyatt-Hodge said post-match.

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England’s Batting Depth Shines in Record Chase

England’s dominance was not just limited to Wyatt-Hodge’s heroics. Amy Jones contributed a vital 53 runs, while Nat Sciver-Brunt chipped in with 46 as England posted a competitive total. The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Nilakshi de Silva and Harshitha Samarawickrama, struggled to contain the flow of runs, conceding 198 runs in their 20 overs.

In response, Sri Lanka could muster only 89 all out, falling short by 109 runs in a one-sided encounter. The win underscores England’s status as one of the tournament’s top contenders.

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Sri Lanka’s Struggles Continue Ahead of Tournament Opener

Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, which featured contributions from Kavisha Dilhari (19) and Hansima Karunaratne (11), failed to provide any resistance against England’s disciplined bowling attack. The visitors’ batting collapse highlighted the challenges they face as they prepare to face tougher opponents in the group stages.

With the tournament set to kick off in earnest, Sri Lanka will be looking to regroup and find form before their opening match against the West Indies on 13 June 2026 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

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What’s Next for England and Sri Lanka?

England Women will now shift their focus to their first official match of the tournament, where they face Ireland Women on 16 June 2026 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. With a batting lineup firing on all cylinders and a bowling attack capable of defending any total, England are firm favorites to advance from their group.

Sri Lanka Women face a stern test in their opening match against New Zealand Women on 16 June 2026 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. A strong performance from their bowlers and a collective batting effort will be crucial if they are to spring a surprise in the early stages of the tournament.

As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 heats up, England’s record-breaking start has set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying tournament. Fans can expect more fireworks as the world’s best women cricketers battle for supremacy on the global stage.

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Tournament Context and Group Standings

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to run from 12 June to 5 July, featuring 10 teams divided into two groups. England, Australia, India, and Pakistan headline Group 1, while Group 2 includes defending champions West Indies and hosts England, alongside South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and Sri Lanka.

With the warm-up fixtures complete, the stage is set for a thrilling month of cricket as teams jostle for supremacy in one of the most anticipated editions of the tournament to date.