The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins with an exciting Group 2 match between England Women and Sri Lanka Women at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 12. Both teams will be looking to start their World Cup journey with a win and pick up important points early in the tournament.
England will have the advantage of playing at home and will be backed by their fans. Led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, they have a strong squad with quality players in both batting and bowling. Sri Lanka, captained by Chamari Athapaththu, have improved a lot in recent years and will be hoping to cause an upset against one of the tournament favourites.
The two teams have shared some close battles in recent years. Sri Lanka defeated England twice during their 2023 series, proving they can compete against the top sides. With both teams eager to make a strong start, fans can expect an entertaining contest in Birmingham.
Squads:
England Women’s Cricket Team
Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Charlie Dean (VC), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Mithali Ayodhya, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Kawya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Chethana Vimukthi
Players to watch out:
Sophia Dunkley
Sophia Dunkley has been a key batter for England in T20Is, scoring 1,343 runs in 78 matches at an average of 24.41 and a strike rate of 122.09, including six half-centuries. She has also been in good form recently, scoring 242 runs in her last 10 matches at an average of 24.20 and a strike rate of 126.70. Dunkley likes to play attacking cricket and can give England a quick start at the top of the order. If she gets going, she can put Sri Lanka under pressure early in the match.
Lauren Bell
Lauren Bell has been one of England’s leading bowlers in T20Is, taking 60 wickets in 41 matches at an average of 17.75 and a strike rate of 14.8. She has also been in excellent recent form, picking up 13 wickets in her last eight T20 matches and regularly providing breakthroughs with the new ball. The conditions at Edgbaston could suit her style of bowling, making her an important player for England.
Chamari Athapaththu
Chamari Athapaththu is Sri Lanka’s biggest match-winner and one of the most experienced players in women’s T20 cricket. The captain has scored 3,752 runs in 157 T20Is at an average of 25.69 and a strike rate of 110.90, including three centuries and 14 fifties. She has also taken 71 wickets with the ball. In her last 10 T20 matches, she has scored 279 runs at an average of 31.00 and a strike rate of 121.30. She can score quickly and take the game away from the opposition.
Kavisha Dilhari
Kavisha Dilhari has been a valuable all-rounder for Sri Lanka in T20Is. She has scored 637 runs and taken 66 wickets in 80 T20I matches. She has also been one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent bowlers recently, picking up 12 wickets in her last 10 T20 matches and maintaining an economy rate of 5.93. Her ability to bowl in important situations makes her a key player for Sri Lanka.
Pitch:
The Edgbaston pitch usually offers help to both batters and bowlers. Fast bowlers can get some movement with the new ball, especially in the first few overs. Once the batters settle in, scoring becomes easier because of the good pace and bounce. Spinners could also get some assistance later in the game.
Weather:
The temperature could reach around 21°C during the day and drop to about 11°C at night. There is a chance of a brief shower, with rain probability around 55%. However, a full match is still expected if the weather stays favourable.
Match Details:
Date – June 12, 2026
Time – 11:00 PM IST
Venue – Edgbaston, Birmingham
Broadcast – Star Sports Network & JioHotstar
Click here to check broadcast details for your region.
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