Danni Wyatt-Hodge played a scintillating knock of 78 runs off just 48 deliveries to steer England to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their opening match of the Women's T20 World Cup. The right-handed batter's innings was laced with 11 boundaries and two sixes, setting the tone for England's chase of Sri Lanka's total of 129 for 6.
Wyatt-Hodge's Masterclass
Chasing 130 for victory, England lost opener Sophia Dunkley early for 7, but Wyatt-Hodge took control of the innings from the outset. She shared a crucial 65-run partnership with captain Heather Knight, who contributed a steady 29 off 34 balls. After Knight's dismissal, Wyatt-Hodge continued to dominate, finding the fence with ease. She was eventually dismissed in the 17th over, but by then England were well on course, needing just 10 runs from the final three overs.
Nat Sciver-Brunt finished the match in style with an unbeaten 22 off 16 balls, including the winning boundary, as England reached 131 for 3 with 11 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka's Innings
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, but they struggled to build momentum against disciplined English bowling. Opener Chamari Athapaththu top-scored with 37 off 32 balls, but no other batter managed to accelerate. Captain Harshitha Samarawickrama made 28 off 27, while Nilakshi de Silva added 22 not out off 20. England's bowlers shared the wickets, with Sophie Ecclestone taking 2 for 18 and Sarah Glenn claiming 2 for 22.
The win puts England at the top of Group B, with their next match against South Africa scheduled for later this week.
