News – Women’s T20 World Cup, Lord’s, 24 June 2026
West Indies have won the toss and will bowl first against England in roasting 34-degree heat, a decision skipper Hayley Matthews hopes will play to her side’s strengths.
“It is pretty warm, but at the same time, we prefer it to be this temperature than a little colder,” she admitted with a grin. “So conditions probably favour us.”
Both teams named the same XIs that served them well in their previous outings. West Indies stick with the line-up that saw off Sri Lanka on Sunday, while England, still missing injured captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, once again hand the armband to off-spinner Charlie Dean.
“Captaincy is something you get into the routine of doing,” Dean said, sounding relaxed about her temporary promotion.
The match is the first real high-stakes fixture of the group: each side sits on three wins from three, so the victor books a semi-final berth with a game to spare. The loser still controls its own destiny but will face added pressure later in the week.
The mercury at Lord’s is expected to stay in the mid-30s for most of the evening – unusual for north-west London and a welcome change, according to Matthews, from the chillier starts the Caribbean side often encounters on tour.
Line-ups
England: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wk), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Charlie Dean (capt), Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
West Indies: Hayley Matthews (capt), Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Stafanie Taylor, Jahzara Claxton, Chinelle Henry, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Ashmini Munisar
Key angles to watch
• England’s top order has started cautiously all tournament, preferring to accelerate after the powerplay. In sweltering conditions, a flying start could be harder to rein in later.
• With no Sciver-Brunt, England’s seam attack leans on Bell’s new-ball swing and Kemp’s change-ups. West Indies will look at the short Tavern stand boundary and fancy their chances if set a total within range.
• Matthews’ off-spin may be even more valuable on a dry, sun-baked surface expected to offer grip. Her match-up with Capsey and Knight in the middle overs feels pivotal.
The forecast is for unrelenting sunshine and, perhaps, one or two tired bowlers by the time the evening cool finally arrives. Whoever copes best with the heat – physical and metaphorical – should walk away with a place in the last four.
