LIVE: Sri Lanka choose to field first against England in Women's T20 WC opener
Sri Lanka face hosts England in the opening match in Edgbaston on Friday
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The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 begins with a blockbuster clash between England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on Friday evening.
England come into the contest on the back of a five-run win over India in their final warm-up game, while Sri Lanka won both the tune-up games, against Netherlands and Pakistan.
Nat Sciver-Brunt's side is not just grappling with the pressure of playing a home World Cup, but also have history to contend with -- England women's team have never lost a World Cup they have hosted, either ODI or T20I.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are chasing their first title at the World Cup. Leading the team is Chamari Athapaththu, who has competed in each of the 10 T20 World Cup editions, starting with the inaugural tournament in 2009.
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Edgbaston will host the opening match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup between England and Sri Lanka
England v Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and elected to field first.
England playing XI: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
Sri Lanka playing XI: Vishmi Gunarathne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya