England Women produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka Women by 87 runs in their opening game of the ICC T20 Cricket world cup 2026 posting a formidable 219 for 1 from their 20 overs.

Opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge starred with a magnificent unbeaten 105 off 62 balls, striking 13 fours and a six at a blistering strike rate of 169.35. She shared a match-defining 135-run opening partnership with Amy Jones, who contributed a fluent 53 from 38 deliveries. England accelerated further in the closing overs through captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, whose unbeaten 46 from just 22 balls helped the hosts finish with an imposing total.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain England’s aggressive batting, with Malki Madara claiming the only wicket while conceding 51 runs from her four overs.

Chasing 220, Sri Lanka never recovered from an early collapse. Lauren Bell dismissed Vishmi Gunaratne before Charlie Dean removed captain Chamari Athapaththu, leaving the visitors under pressure. Harshitha Samarawickrama offered brief resistance with a quick-fire 29 off 18 balls, while Nilakshika Silva top-scored with 39 from 33 deliveries.

England’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Freya Kemp delivered the standout performance, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs, including three wickets in the space of four balls to derail Sri Lanka’s middle order.

Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean chipped in with two wickets each as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 132 on the final ball of the innings.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has named a 15-member Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s squad for the upcoming tour of India, where the young cricketers will compete in both T20 and One Day formats.

Chamudi Praboda has been appointed captain of the side, while Sanjana Kavindi will serve as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The tour is expected to provide valuable international exposure and competitive experience for the emerging players.

Sri Lanka will play three T20 matches in Chennai on June 22, 24 and 27, followed by three One Day matches in Pondicherry on June 30 and July 3 and 6.

The series will offer Sri Lanka’s young talents an important opportunity to test their skills against strong opposition and gain experience in challenging Indian conditions as they continue their development at international level.

The squad comprises Chamudi Praboda (Captain), Sanjana Kavindi (WK, Vice-Captain), Nethmi Upeksha, Manudi Nanayakkara, Limansa Thilakarathna, Umayangana Peiris, Danodya Sewmini, Nethagi Isuranjali, Pramudi Methsara, Yesali Jithara, Vimoksha Balasooriya, Sanuki Pathirage, Chamodi Herath, Aseni Thalagune and Daria Dissanayaka.

Sri Lanka Cricket’s Cricket Transformation Committee recently engaged in a productive dialogue with the country’s leading women cricketers, reaffirming its commitment to elevating the status and development of women’s cricket across all levels.

The meeting brought together players representing the national team, Sri Lanka ‘A’, and the Under-19 women’s squad. It was chaired by Cricket Transformation Committee Chairman Eran Wickramaratne and attended by several prominent figures in Sri Lankan cricket administration and former international stars.

Among those present were Sri Lanka Cricket Honorary Secretary Prakash Schaffter, Cricket Committee Chairman Sidath Wettimuny, former national captains Kumar Sangakkara and Roshan Mahanama, as well as committee members Dinal Phillips PC, Upul Kumarapperuma PC, Avanthi Colombage and Thushira Raddella. Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley De Silva and Sri Lanka Women’s Head Coach Jamie Siddons also participated in the discussions.

Addressing the gathering, Wickramaratne praised the remarkable strides made by Sri Lanka’s women cricketers in recent years, highlighting their historic Asia Cup victory as a defining moment for the sport in the country.

He described the achievement as a milestone that had “rewritten the history of women’s cricket in Sri Lanka” and commended the players for their dedication, discipline and commitment to excellence.

Wickramaratne assured the players that the Cricket Transformation Committee would work towards creating a more equitable cricketing environment, ensuring that women’s cricket receives greater opportunities, recognition and support in line with the men’s game.

Looking ahead, he extended his best wishes to the national women’s team as they prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, expressing confidence in their ability to continue making the nation proud on the international stage.

The session also featured motivational addresses from Sangakkara, Wettimuny and Mahanama, who shared insights from their own distinguished careers. They encouraged the players to remain focused on both their sporting ambitions and personal development while embracing the values of discipline, teamwork and responsibility.

The cricketing legends emphasized that sustained success is built on collective effort, urging every member of the squad to understand and execute their role effectively for the benefit of the team.

The meeting forms part of Sri Lanka Cricket’s broader efforts to strengthen the women’s game and ensure that the country’s emerging female talent is equipped with the resources and guidance needed to thrive at the highest level.