Wyatt-Hodge Powers England to Victory

A not out century to England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge has powered England to victory in the 2026 World Cup opener. Her 135 run opening stand with Amy Jones (53) laid the platform for England to dominate the Sri Lankan bowlers and post a massive 219/1.

Under beautiful skies over Edgbaston, a warm and willing crowd filtered in through the gates to witness the opening game of the World Cup. They turned in great numbers to cheer on the home side who didn’t disappoint.

Wyatt-Hodge was particularly severe on anything short, and oddly enough the Sri Lankan bowlers continued to deliver while the batter took full toll. Equally in a hurry, Amy Jones played some wonderful drives, again courtesy of plenty of gifts from the bowlers. Once Jones had departed Nat Sciver-Brunt came to enjoy the party and finished with 46 not out to leave England with a commanding 219/1. Malki Madara was the lone wicket taker for Sri Lanka.

Needing better than 10 runs per over for the entire innings, Sri Lanka’s batters had to go for it from ball one and after a slow start, Vishmi Gunarathne was trapped in front by Lauren Bell in the third over. Decision reviewed, bizarrely as the ball was crashing into middle, unsuccessfully, and that pretty much started a procession with Chamari Athapaththu and Imesha Dulani departing for single figures inside the Powerplay.

The middle order did their best to make good of a bad situation, but it really was simply a matter of time before the Sri Lankans were all out for 132, 87 runs short. Best with ball was Freya Kemp (4-21) while Charlie Dean (2-18) also contributed.

Player of the Match – no guessing required here – Danni Wyatt-Hodge for her 105 not out from 62 balls, and catch to top it off.

England now lead Pool B.

Scores

England 219/1 (Danni Wyatt-Hodge 105* Amy Jones 53, Nat Sciver-Brunt 46*, Malki Madara 1-51) v
Sri Lanka 132  (Nilakshi de Silva 37, Freya Kemp 4-21, Charlie Dean 2-18, Sophie Ecclestone 2-27) by 87 runs

POTM:Danni Wyatt-Hodge