England Women open their home World Cup under real pressure but with one of the most complete squads in the game. Nat Sciver-Brunt leads a side whose balance lets them recover from setbacks or accelerate in the middle overs. Danni Wyatt-Hodge can provide explosive powerplay starts, Sophia Dunkley has scored 242 runs in her last ten innings, and Alice Capsey comes in with 240 runs at an average of 30.
Heather Knight and Amy Jones anchor the middle order. With the ball, Sophie Ecclestone leads the spin attack, vice-captain Charlie Dean has been taking wickets, and Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer and Dani Gibson form a varied pace group suited to English conditions.
Sri Lanka Women are dangerous underdogs, and much depends on captain Chamari Athapaththu with bat and ball. Harshitha Samarawickrama has shown consistency against quality pace, including 61 against Bangladesh earlier this year, and Imesha Dulani has 243 runs at 34.71. Kavisha Dilhari and Sugandika Kumari lead a spin-heavy attack that will aim to squeeze England. Even so, England’s depth makes them the side to beat.
