New Delhi, June 12: England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge announced herself as an early contender for Player of the Tournament honours with a magnificent unbeaten century in the opening match of the .
The experienced right-hander smashed 105 not out off just 62 deliveries as England Women piled up a daunting 219/1 against Sri Lanka Women, registering one of the highest team totals in Women's T20 World Cup history.
Wyatt-Hodge's innings was laced with 13 fours and a six and came at a blistering strike rate of 169.35, setting the tone for England's campaign in emphatic fashion.
Wyatt-Hodge Leads England's Batting Masterclass
After Sri Lanka opted to bowl, England openers Amy Jones and Danni Wyatt-Hodge gave their side a flying start with a 135-run opening partnership.
Jones contributed a fluent 53 off
38 balls before falling to Malki Madara in the 14th over. By then, however, England had already seized complete control of the contest.
Wyatt-Hodge continued her assault and found an equally aggressive partner in captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who blasted an unbeaten 46 from only 22 deliveries at a strike rate of 209.09.
The duo added 84 runs in just 38 balls for the second wicket as England finished on a formidable 219/1 from their 20 overs.
A Rare Achievement on the World Cup Stage
Centuries remain among the rarest feats in Women's T20 World Cup history due to the limited number of deliveries available in the format.
Before Wyatt-Hodge's knock, only six batters had managed to score hundreds in the tournament's history. Her unbeaten 105 now makes her the seventh centurion and the second England player after Heather Knight to achieve the feat.
The innings also becomes one of the highest individual scores ever recorded in a Women's T20 World Cup match.
All Centuries in Women's T20 World Cup History
| Player | Score | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meg Lanning (Australia) | 126 | Ireland | 2014 |
| Deandra Dottin (West Indies) | 112* | South Africa | 2010 |
| Heather Knight (England) | 108* | Thailand | 2020 |
| Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England) | 105* | Sri Lanka | 2026 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur (India) | 103 | New Zealand | 2018 |
| Muneeba Ali (Pakistan) | 102 | Ireland | 2023 |
| Lizelle Lee (South Africa) | 101 | Thailand | 2020 |
England's Rich World Cup Batting Legacy
England now have two players on the Women's T20 World Cup centurions list, the joint-highest alongside no other nation.
Heather Knight's unbeaten 108 against Thailand in 2020 stood alone as England's only century for six years before Wyatt-Hodge joined the exclusive club.
The innings also continues Wyatt-Hodge's reputation as one of the most explosive batters in women's cricket, particularly in ICC events where she has repeatedly provided England with rapid starts at the top of the order.
With the tournament only just underway, England will hope their opener can continue her remarkable form as they pursue a second Women's T20 World Cup title.
For now, Wyatt-Hodge has ensured that the opening day of the tournament belongs entirely to her, producing a century that not only powered England to a commanding total but also secured her place in Women's T20 World Cup history.
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