England Reach Women’s T20 World Cup Semi-Finals After Beating West Indies By 38 Runs
England booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a convincing 38-run victory over West Indies at Lord’s, powered by another impressive innings from Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
The opener continued her outstanding tournament form with a fluent half-century as England posted 186/7, the highest Women’s T20 International total recorded at Lord’s. Captain Heather Knight also made a crucial contribution, helping the hosts put West Indies under pressure from the outset.
In reply, West Indies never seriously threatened England’s total despite a spirited unbeaten fifty from Chinelle Henry. The Caribbean side finished on 148/8, suffering their first defeat of the tournament and handing England a measure of revenge after their loss to the same opponents in the 2024 edition.
Wyatt-Hodge And Knight Lead England Charge
England’s innings got off to a positive start despite the early loss of Amy Jones. Wyatt-Hodge quickly settled in and took control of the scoring, finding boundaries regularly and keeping the scoreboard moving.
Sophia Dunkley chipped in with useful runs before departing, while Alice Capsey played an important supporting role during a productive partnership with Wyatt-Hodge. The experienced opener brought up her second consecutive fifty of the tournament as England crossed the 100-run mark.
Knight then provided further momentum in the middle overs, capitalising on the platform laid by the top order. Although Wyatt-Hodge was eventually run out after a superb knock, England continued to score freely through Knight and the lower middle order.
The hosts finished on 186/7, setting a new Women’s T20I record score at Lord’s and leaving West Indies with a challenging target.
West Indies Fall Behind In Chase
The chase never gained sustained momentum for West Indies as England’s bowlers struck regularly.
Captain Hayley Matthews looked capable of launching a recovery but was dismissed after England successfully overturned an on-field decision through review. Deandra Dottin played several attacking shots but could not convert her start into a match-changing innings, while Shemaine Campbelle also departed after getting set.
With wickets falling at regular intervals, the required run rate continued to climb. Henry and Jahzara Claxton offered late resistance, putting together a determined partnership in the closing stages. Henry completed a fighting half-century in the final over, but England remained firmly in control throughout the chase and comfortably defended their total.
The victory guarantees England a place in the last four, while West Indies must now beat Ireland in their final group-stage fixture to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
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