Women's T20 World Cup: Wyatt-Hodge helps England reach semis with West Indies win

Danni Wyatt-Hodge drove England to a 38-run win over West Indies at Lord's and into the semi-finals. The result avenged England's 2024 group-stage loss and left West Indies needing to beat Ireland to qualify.

In Short

• England posted a record Women's T20I total at Lord's, making 186/7
• Danni Wyatt-Hodge followed her tournament hundred with another fluent match-shaping fifty
• Heather Knight and Alice Capsey sustained England's charge through the middle overs

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

Fresh from her century against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament, Wyatt-Hodge once again led the charge with a fluent half-century as England piled up a record Women’s T20 International total at the iconic venue. Heather Knight also played a crucial hand, helping the hosts post an imposing score that ultimately proved beyond the West Indies.

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

ENGLAND PILE ON RUNS AT LORD'S

After winning the toss, the West Indies opted to bowl first, but England wasted little time in attacking.

Amy Jones got the innings moving with a couple of early boundaries before falling in the opening over. However, Wyatt-Hodge quickly took control, punishing anything loose and accelerating England’s scoring rate.

Sophia Dunkley chipped in before departing, but England continued to score freely through the powerplay, racing to a strong start. Wyatt-Hodge then settled into her rhythm alongside Alice Capsey, with the pair rotating strike effectively while also 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 firmly shifted momentum in England's favour.

Knight then joined the attack and brought her trademark aggression to the middle overs. Although she survived a difficult chance, England's captain continued to press forward as temperatures soared on a sweltering day in London.

Wyatt-Hodge's impressive innings eventually ended via a run-out after she had laid the perfect platform. Knight continued the charge before also being dismissed late in the innings, but England still finished strongly thanks to contributions from the lower order.

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

HENRY FIGHTS BACK BUT ENGLAND REMAIN IN CONTROL

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

Captain Hayley Matthews briefly threatened to spark the innings but was dismissed after England successfully reviewed an appeal. While Shemaine Campbelle and Deandra Dottin attempted to shift the momentum, England’s bowlers consistently struck at crucial moments.

Dottin played several eye-catching strokes before falling, and further wickets left the Caribbean side under increasing pressure. Campbelle also departed after making a start, while England tightened their grip on the contest through disciplined bowling and sharp field placements.

Chinelle Henry and Jahzara Claxton showed admirable resistance during the latter stages of the chase, refusing to let England cruise to victory. However, with the required rate climbing steadily, the task became increasingly difficult.

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

The victory guarantees England a place in the semi-finals, while the West Indies still have work to do. Their qualification hopes now rest on their final group-stage encounter against Ireland, where a win would secure their progression to the knockout stage.

- Ends