Women’s World Cup T20: Wyatt-Hodge help England reach semi-finals with win in West Indies

England booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 38-run victory over the West Indies at Lord’s, powered by another outstanding innings from Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

Fresh from his century against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournamentWyatt-Hodge once again led the charge with a fluent half-century as England piled up a record number of Women’s T20 Internationals at the iconic venue. Heather Knight also played a crucial hand in helping the hosts put up a formidable score that ultimately saw the West Indies out.

The Caribbean side, unbeaten until this contest, could never keep up with the required run rate despite a spirited late attack from Chinelle Henry, whose half-century provided one of the few bright spots in the chase. The defeat also allowed England to gain some measure of revenge after a disappointing loss to the West Indies during the 2024 group stage.

ENGLAND CROWD ON THE RUNS AT LORD’S

After winning the toss, the West Indies decided to bowl first, but England wasted no time in attacking.

Amy Jones rocked the innings with a couple of early boundaries before falling in the opener. However, Wyatt-Hodge quickly took control, punishing anything that was lost and speeding up England’s scoring.

Sophia Dunkley pounced before leaving but England continued to score freely through the power play and started well. Wyatt-Hodge then settled into her rhythm alongside Alice Capsey, with the pair rotating effectively while finding regular boundaries.

The experienced opener reached her fifty in just over 30 deliveries as England crossed the 100-run mark. Capsey contributed a valuable knock before falling after a productive partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in England’s favour.

Knight then joined the attack and carried her trademark aggression into the middle overs. Despite surviving a tough chance, the England skipper continued his onslaught as temperatures soared on a sweltering day in London.

Wyatt-Hodge’s impressive innings eventually ended in a run out after she laid a perfect platform. Knight continued to attack before he was also dismissed late in the innings, but England still finished well thanks to contributions from the lower order.

Their total of 186 for seven set a new standard for the Women’s T20 International at Lord’s and left the West Indies facing a daunting chase.

HENRY FIGHTS BACK BUT ENGLAND REMAINS IN CONTROL

West Indies struggled to get going during the opening stages of their reply.

Captain Hayley Matthews briefly threatened to spark an innings but was dismissed after England successfully adjudicated the appeal. With Shemaine Campbelle and Deandra Dottin trying to push the tempo, England’s bowlers consistently struck at crucial moments.

Dottin played some eye-catching knocks before falling and further wickets left the Caribbean side under mounting pressure. Campbelle also departed after starting as England cemented their grip on the competition through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.

Chinelle Henry and Jahzara Claxton showed admirable resistance in the latter stages of the chase and refused to let England coast to victory. However, with the constant increase in required speed, the task became increasingly difficult.

Henry eventually scored a well-made half-century in the final, but that almost decided the result. England’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings and restricted West Indies to finish 38 runs short of their target.

A win guarantees England a place in the semi-finals, while the West Indies still have some work to do. Their qualification hopes now lie in their final group stage encounter against Ireland, where victory would see them progress to the knockout stages.

– The end

Published on:

25 Jun 2026 08:00 IST