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2:28 AM IST, 9:58 PM local time: An emphatic start to the World Cup campaign for the hosts. England Women thump Sri Lanka Women by 87 runs. 

Remember, England have won every Women's World Cup they have ever hosted. Hence, coming into this tournament, Nat Sciver-Brunt and co. were nervous and feeling the weight of expectations — the captain admitted it in the pre-tournament media interaction and so did Danni Wyatt-Hodge in her mid-match interview tonight.

However, this win will do more than just settle nerves. It will give them a much needed confidence boost heading forward and make more heads turn in the country. Of course, Wyatt-Hodge deserves more credit than anyone else. She scored an imposing, swashbuckling century that helped her team to the highest score ever in a Women's T20 World Cup and nearly sealed the game in the first innings itself. Amy Jones' contribution was just as important. Yes, she had the rub of the green as Sri Lanka put multiple catches of her bat down. However, it is about what you make of isn't it? Wyatt-Hodge's ton, Jones' half-century and the 135-run partnership between them must have warmed the hearts of their fans. However, it was the skipper's effervescent 46* that might be seen as the biggest positive.

Remember, Nat Sciver-Brunt had been out of action lately due to a calf injury. But the way she moved around the crease and ran between the wickets put an end to any fitness concerns. 

Sri Lanka were guilty of being sloppy in the field and average with the ball. They exhibited brilliance in patches with the bat in hand, but realistically, were never in the hunt. In a chase of 220, they lost their openers early and were since found huffing and puffing. As entertaining as Harshitha Samarawickrama's 29 (18) and Nilakshi de Silva's 37 (32) were, they were never getting the team home. 

England bowled well as a unit and every bowler bar Danni Gibson picked a wicket at least. Freya Kemp emerged as a surprise package and clinched 4/21. Sophie Ecclestone might not have done too much damage tonight, but she ended up picking the last two wickets too. All in all, England must be pleased to have begun on the perfect note.

Player of the Match: Danielle Wyatt-Hodge

Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (Player of the Match): "[You were enjoying while batting, right?] Yeah, I was just trying to have fun out there. What a crowd, firstly. Amazing to play in front of this crowd at Edgbaston.

[On her knock] It's great to get off to a good start, especially in a World Cup. Enjoyed playing with Amy and then Nat doing what she does best.

[On her celebration] That was for Daisy. I hope the TV got it. The little cradle. That was for Daisy.

[On the winning start to the home World Cup] It was important to start well. We did that tonight. The pitch was nice here at Edgbaston. The bowlers also did a fine job to restrict them to that total. We go to Southampton and play Ireland and hopefully, we do the same."

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka Women Captain): "[Emotions after the loss] Actually, we aren't playing our best cricket today. In all three departments, we didn't play well and that's why, we lost the game.

[What went wrong while bowling?] Keeping the stumps in play is the most important thing. The spinners bowled different areas and different lengths.

[On their batting effort tonight] Actually, we have to play positive and fearless cricket. We have to play well in the powerplay. Nilakshi played well. But it wasn't enough and we have to step up.

[Things to improve before the next game] Next game is against New Zealand. A tough game as well. We need to execute our plans and we have to go back to the classroom and plan for the next game. Hopefully, we will bounce back."

Nat Sciver-Brunt (England Women captain): "(How important was this result?) Massive. Danni (Wyatt-Hodge) and Amy (Jones) looked so composed. They set up a huge platform for us to cash upon.

(On her calf injury and the running between the wickets) Danni (Wyatt-Hodge) helped me running from the first ball (giggles). Happy to find the middle (of the bat). Had a couple of innings in the warm-ups, but nothing compares to being out there (in a real match). 

(Coach Edwards talks about being ruthless. She must be pleased?) Yea. We thought about the game in a very good way. 3 wickets in the powerplay always going to make it tough for the opposition to chase it. Happy that the first game is done."

As the England players exchange smiles, handshakes and let out autographs to the fans who have stayed back late, their body language radiates joy and relief — as if a boulder has been lifted off their shoulders. 

As we mentioned before, England have won every Women's World Cup (across both formats) that they have hosted. Hence, the weight of expectations is real. Therefore the start was important. Will they be able to sustain this momentum though? Only time will tell. 

We hope you enjoyed the coverage as much as we did bringing it to you. For more action related to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, stay hooked onto the Crickxo app. For now, this is Darpan Tikiya signing off on the behalf of Akshay Bhide, Aman and Raju Khariya. See you soon!