England secure T20 World Cup semi-final spot with win over West Indies

By Karan Malhotra — 25 June 2026 — 3 min read

England secure semi-final berth

England have advanced to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup after a 38-run victory against West Indies at Lord’s. The win ensures their progression with one group game remaining in the tournament. The team posted a total of 186-7 in their 20 overs, which was the highest score in women’s T20s at Lord’s.

The match, played in warm conditions in London, saw significant contributions from Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who scored 65 runs from 42 balls, and Heather Knight, who added 43 runs from 26 balls. Wyatt-Hodge’s performance also made her the leading run-scorer in the tournament, surpassing Darcey Carter of Scotland.

Despite the comfortable win, England’s fielding had some moments of concern, with six dropped chances in the latter half of West Indies’ innings. Five of these were described as difficult opportunities. However, their early fielding was strong, including an acrobatic stop by Dani Gibson and a catch by Alice Capsey to dismiss Deandra Dottin.

Charlie Dean, who is standing in as captain, led the team effectively. She contributed with the bat, hitting two reverse-sweeps for boundaries in the final over, and later took two wickets. Dean will continue to captain the side for their upcoming group-stage match.

Key moments and player performances

The West Indies’ innings saw their captain, Hayley Matthews, dismissed in a controversial manner. She was given out caught behind on review, despite the TV umpire initially stating there appeared to be a gap between bat and ball. Matthews expressed her belief that she was not out, suggesting the sound heard might have been her bat handle.

Chinelle Henry was a notable performer for West Indies, reaching an eleventh-hour half-century. However, her efforts were not enough to challenge England’s total. Shemaine Campbelle was bowled by Sophie Ecclestone after missing a sweep shot, and Jahzara Claxton scored 21 runs from 34 balls before being caught.

England’s batting strategy involved countering the slow pitch by scoring 49% of their runs behind square, utilising sweeps and reverse sweeps. They also ran 79 of their runs, which was considered impressive given the heat. The partnership between Wyatt-Hodge and Capsey yielded 66 runs.

The team’s progression to the semi-finals marks their sixth consecutive appearance in either a semi-final or final in the last six World Cups. This consistent performance has led to a growing sense of momentum within the squad.

England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge sweeps for more runs during England’s comprehensive win against West Indies.Photograph: Tom Jenkins Credit: theguardian.com

Looking ahead to the semi-finals

England’s next fixture is against New Zealand on Saturday, which is their final group game. The identity of their semi-final opponent is yet to be confirmed, but South Africa or India are currently considered the most likely contenders. The semi-finals are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday of next week.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is currently recovering from a calf injury. An MRI scan indicated her calf is responding well to treatment, but the medical team believes she requires more time for rehabilitation. It is hoped she will be fit for the semi-final matches. Consequently, she will not be risked in the upcoming match against New Zealand.

West Indies still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, but they must defeat Ireland in their match on Saturday to secure their spot. New Zealand, the reigning champions, would need West Indies to lose and then achieve a significant victory against England to have any hope of progressing.

England’s captain Charlie Dean plays a shot as a scorer watches through a window in the scoreboard.Photograph: Tom Jenkins Credit: theguardian.com

A crucial match on the other side of the draw, between Australia and India on Sunday, will help determine England’s potential semi-final opponent. Australia currently leads their group, while India and South Africa are competing for the remaining semi-final spot.

The match was played in challenging conditions, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius in St John’s Wood, London. This heat was compared by Wyatt-Hodge to playing in Dubai during the 2024 World Cup. The West Indies team even had their twelfth player carrying drinks under an ICC-branded umbrella due to the heat.

Wyatt-Hodge expressed her ambition to win the trophy, stating, “I’ve never won a T20 World Cup, so I want to keep scoring runs, keep contributing, and enjoy it.”

The West Indies ultimately finished their innings with 148-5.