Hosts England look to continue perfect start against Scotland

England's perfect start to their home World Cup campaign has put them firmly in control of Group B, but there is little room for complacency. Two wins from two have lifted the hosts to the top of the standings, level on points with West Indies but significantly ahead on net run rate. Scotland have made an encouraging start of their own, securing a historic win followed by a spirited showing against West Indies to arrive at Headingley full of belief.

England have looked every bit title contenders. Danni Wyatt-Hodge's century laid the foundation for a commanding victory over Sri Lanka, with the emphatic win also handing them an early net run rate boost. The hosts backed that up with an equally convincing display against Ireland. It was England's spin attack that stole the show, squeezing the chase from the outset and underlining the depth at their disposal.

Scotland arrive in Leeds with confidence despite their narrow defeat to West Indies. Their campaign began with a landmark win over Ireland, the first Women's T20 World Cup victory in the country's history. They came close to following it up against West Indies, pushing the Caribbean team before falling short. The performance showcased their growing competitiveness and left them with a healthy net run rate.

When: June 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM Local Time (11:00 PM IST)

What to expect: In the three games played at Leeds, Australia restricted Bangladesh to 77, India posted 209 against the Netherlands, and Scotland nearly chased down West Indies' 153. Teams batting first have won thrice in five women's T20 matches at the venue this season, with the average first innings total in wins being 170. Spinners have had more success than pacers.

England: The hosts won't have Nat Sciver-Brunt for the next two games. The skipper suffered a left calf strain while batting against Ireland. Vice-captain Charlie Dean will lead the team, with Sophia Dunkley likely to replace Sciver-Brunt.

Probable XI: Amy Jones (wk), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Charlotte Dean (c), Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell.

Scotland: Scotland have used the same combination for the last two games and are likely to stick to it.

Probable XI: Darcey Carter, Katherine Fraser, Kathryn Bryce (c), Sarah Bryce (wk), Ailsa Lister, Megan McColl, Priyanaz Chatterji, Rachel Slater, Kirstie Gordon, Chloe Abel, Gabriella Fontenla.

• England and Scotland have played a T20I only once before – in the 2024 T20 World Cup – with England winning by 10 wickets.
• Spinners have 48 wickets at an average of 16.83 in six women's T20 matches at Leeds in 2026, while pacers have 33 wickets at 23.60.

"It's probably the closest to a home World Cup that we'll get. Obviously a lot of us play county cricket down here, so it's been really special and it gives you that extra 5% in games." – Rachel Slater, on support for Scotland.