England became the first team to lock in a semi-final spot at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 as they defeated the West Indies by 38 runs, thanks to gutsy half-century from Danni Wyatt-Hodge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After Wyatt-Hodge (65 off 42) and Heather Knight's (43 off 26) led the hosts to 186\/7, England's bowlers kept a lid on power-packed West Indies line-up to restrict them to 148\/5 and registered their fourth straight win of the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Electing to field first, the West Indies found early success as Chinelle Henry dismissed Amy Jones in the first over of the innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The hosts took the early wicket on the chin and launched into attack against a West Indies bowling line-up that struggled to find the right line and length. Wyatt-Hodge led the charge for England with an impressive 65 off 42 balls, which was studded with eight boundaries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England's top and middle order delivered on the day and rallied around the in-form Wyatt-Hodge. Alice Capsey chipped in with 28 while Heather Knight, who was dropped on 14 by Hayley Matthews, made West Indies pay as she struck a 26-ball 43.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England batters were keeping the pressure on the West Indies and reached 86 runs in the first 10 overs before adding 100 runs in second-half. Though West Indies run out Wyatt-Hodge and packed off power hitters Freya Kemp and Danielle Gibson early, the lower order knocked off 24 runs in the last two overs to take them over the 180-mark.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Save Aaliyah Alleyne, who went wicketless, all the West Indian bowlers went for over eight runs an over. Off-spinner Ashmini Munisar was the most successful, with figures of 2-42 in her four overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chasing 187, the West Indies needed at least one of their top three to fire, but Linsey Smith dismissed Matthews in the fourth over after overturning a not-out decision for caught behind via DRS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Save Aaliyah Alleyne, who went wicketless, all the West Indian bowlers went for over eight runs an over. Off-spinner Ashmini Munisar was the most successful, with figures of 2-42 in her four overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shemaine Campbelle, who had scored a match-winning knock against New Zealand, came up short against England as she was clean bowled by Sophie Ecclestone for 20. Reduced to 64\/3, West Indies struggled to keep pace and were hemmed in by some smart bowling by England.<\/p>\r\n\r\n