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England rewrote the history books in emphatic fashion at Edgbaston, posting the highest team total in Women’s T20 World Cup history — 219/1 — before cruising to an 87-run win over Sri Lanka in their tournament opener.On a sunlit evening in front of 14,865 fans, England’s batting line-up produced a near-flawless display of power and precision, with Danni Wyatt-Hodge leading the charge with an unbeaten 105 off 62 balls. The total eclipsed all previous benchmarks in the competition and set the tone for what could be a dominant home campaign.The innings was built on a stunning 135-run opening stand between Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones, the highest opening partnership for England in Women’s T20 World Cup history, as Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain the relentless scoring rate.
Late assault pushes England into record territory
England’s charge to 219 accelerated sharply in the closing stages, with the final over alone yielding 26 runs — the joint second-most expensive over in Women’s T20 World Cup history. That late surge ensured England comfortably surpassed the previous tournament high and left Sri Lanka facing an unrealistic chase.Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt added further momentum with an explosive unbeaten 46 off 22 balls, moving past Charlotte Edwards to become England’s highest run-scorer in Women’s T20 World Cups with 784 runs.Wyatt-Hodge later sealed her century in style, reaching three figures before finishing the innings with a boundary off the final ball to end on 105 not out — her third T20 international hundred.
Highest team totals in Women’s T20 World Cup history
- 219/1 — ENG-W vs SL-W, Edgbaston, 2026
- 213/5 — ENG-W vs PAK-W, Cape Town, 2023
- 195/3 — SA-W vs THA-W, Canberra, 2020
- 194/5 — IND-W vs NZ-W, Providence, 2018
- 191/4 — AUS-W vs IRE-W, Sylhet, 2014
Sri Lanka collapse under mounting pressure
Chasing 220, Sri Lanka never recovered from early setbacks and were eventually bowled out for 132. Left-arm pacer Freya Kemp starred with a career-best 4/21, including a devastating spell that saw her take three wickets in a single over to dismantle the middle order.Earlier, Chamari Athapaththu fell cheaply after a stunning diving catch by Wyatt-Hodge, who also contributed in the field during a dominant all-round England performance.Sri Lanka’s innings unravelled quickly under scoreboard pressure as England wrapped up a commanding victory to begin their campaign in record-breaking style.
