The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway with an exciting Group 2 clash between hosts England Women and Sri Lanka Women at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 12. England will be eager to begin their campaign on a winning note in front of their home fans, while Sri Lanka will be looking to continue their recent rise in international cricket with a strong performance against one of the tournament favourites.
England enters the tournament with plenty of confidence and expectations. Led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, the hosts have one of the strongest squads in the competition, featuring experienced players such as Heather Knight, Sophie Ecclestone, Amy Jones, Charlie Dean, Lauren Bell and Danni Wyatt-Hodge. Playing in familiar English conditions could be a major advantage as they aim to lift the trophy on home soil.
England have enjoyed a strong run in T20 cricket over the past year and will rely on their depth in both batting and bowling. Sophia Dunkley comes into the tournament as one of their key batters after scoring 242 runs in her last 10 T20Is, while Alice Capsey has also been in good touch with 240 runs in nine matches. With the ball, Charlie Dean and Lauren Bell have been among England’s most consistent wicket-takers and will play important roles throughout the competition.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, arrives under the leadership of Chamari Athapaththu, who continues to be the driving force behind the team. The Islanders have shown significant improvement in recent years and have produced several memorable performances against higher-ranked teams. Their biggest achievement came in 2023 when they secured a historic T20I series win over England in English conditions.
The Sri Lankan side will look towards Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari and Imesha Dulani to lead the way. Dulani has been in impressive form recently, scoring 243 runs in her last nine T20Is, while Athapaththu remains their most dangerous player with both bat and ball. Kavisha Dilhari has also been among the wickets consistently and will be a key player in the middle overs.
Head-to-Head:
The rivalry between England Women and Sri Lanka Women has mostly been dominated by England. The two sides have met 12 times in T20Is, with England winning 10 matches and Sri Lanka winning two.
However, Sri Lanka will take confidence from their most recent meetings. During England’s home summer in 2023, Sri Lanka created history by winning a three-match T20I series 2-1. England won the opening game by 12 runs, but Sri Lanka bounced back strongly with victories by 8 wickets and 7 wickets in the following two matches.
Before that breakthrough series win, England had completely dominated the contest, including a 3-0 series sweep in Sri Lanka in 2019. While the overall record clearly favours England, Sri Lanka have already shown they can challenge the hosts and will be eager to repeat that success on the World Cup stage.
Squads:
England Women’s Cricket Team
Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Charlie Dean, 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 and 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 and Chethana Vimukthi.
Where to Watch England Women vs Sri Lanka Women?
Fans in India can watch the match live on Star Sports channels. Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar website and app for viewers who prefer to watch online.
Schedule:
England Women ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Fixtures –
June 12: vs Sri Lanka Women, Birmingham
June 16: vs Ireland Women, Southampton
June 20: vs Scotland Women, Leeds
June 24: vs West Indies Women, Lord’s
June 27: vs New Zealand Women, The Oval
Sri Lanka Women ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Fixtures –
June 12: vs England Women, Birmingham
June 16: vs New Zealand Women, Southampton
June 21: vs West Indies Women, Bristol
June 23: vs Ireland Women, Bristol
June 26: vs Scotland Women, Manchester
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details:
For fans in India, Sri Lanka – Catch all the live action on Star Sports channels and JioHotstar.
For fans in Australia – Catch all the live action on Prime Video
For fans in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland – Catch all the live action on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event
For fans in the United States and Canada – Catch all the live action on Willow TV
For fans in New Zealand – Catch all the live action on Sky Sport
For fans in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa – Catch all the live action on SuperSport Cricket
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