T20 World Cup: The wait is finally over, and the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on Friday with hosts England taking on Sri Lanka in the tournament opener at the Edgbaston Stadium.
Among the pre-tournament favourites, England boast a formidable squad packed with international experience and match-winners across all departments. The hosts will rely on the likes of Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones, Charlotte Dean, and youngster Lauren Bell as they seek to launch their title bid on a positive note. England won the inaugural edition of the tournament but failed to replicate the success in the next eight editions. They exited from the Group Stage in 2024.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, arrive with ambitions of causing an early upset and making a statement on the biggest stage in women’s cricket. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu will once again be central to the team’s hopes, while Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kaushani Nuthyangana are expected to shoulder key responsibilities.
