The tournament hosts, England, will launch their women's T20I World Cup 2026 campaign on Friday by facing off against Sri Lanka women in the tournament opener at Edgbaston. England women are in high spirits after much-improved performances in the last few months.
Along with having the home advantage, England, under the leadership of Nat Sciver-Brunt, also boast a well-oiled unit, featuring the likes of Heather Knight, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, and Alice Capsey. The side is also riding a wave of confidence following their dominant performance over formidable India in the warm-up fixture on Wednesday, where they clinched a narrow 5-run win.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are coming off a glorious nine-wicket win over Pakistan women in their warm-up match. The side has a whole host of promising stars in Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, and Hasini Perera. Most importantly, their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, is a highly talented and most experienced campaigner, making the side a dangerous outfit.
Head-to-head
Matches - 12
ENG-W won - 10
SL-W won - 02
England Women possible XI: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Heather Knight, Amy Jones (wk), Danielle Gibson, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer
Sri Lanka Women possible XI: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Hansima Karunaratne, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Kawya Kavindi