Alex Hartley hails England’s dominant form ahead of 2026 T20 Women’s World Cup semi-final

Former player and commentator Alexandra Hartley has praised the England Women’s team ahead of their 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa, scheduled for Thursday, July 2 at The Oval.

England entered the semi-finals unbeaten in Group 2, having won all five of their matches. Their campaign has been dominant, even though captain Nat Sciver Brunt missed the last three group fixtures due to a calf injury.

Historically, England has exited the semi-finals in two of the past three World Cups and failed to progress in 2024, with their most recent title coming when they won the inaugural tournament in 2009. Hartley acknowledges the team’s confidence but notes concerns about their performance under pressure in recent years, when they have faltered.

“They appear strong, and I don’t wish to jinx them. As I head into the semi-finals, I’m nervous because England has a history of faltering under pressure in recent years, but I remain very confident,”

For the Lionesses, opening batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge has emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, amassing 282 runs across five matches at a strike rate of 153.26, including an unbeaten 105 in the opening game against Sri Lanka.

She has since added two half-centuries, highlighted by a match-winning unbeaten 89 against New Zealand in the final group fixture. Hartley noted her admiration for the side’s bowling attack, where left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone has topped the wicket-takers’ chart with eight wickets in five games.

“I have been remarkably impressed by them,” Hartley remarked. “They are among the best England teams I’ve seen in recent years, with a well-rounded skill set. Their bowling attack ranks among the world’s finest, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge is performing at the peak of her abilities.”

The Proteas previously defeated England in the semi-final of the 2025 ODI World Cup, the last time the two sides met in a tournament semi-final. An official confirmation on whether Nat Sciver Brunt will be available for this clash is pending as she continues her recovery from a calf injury.

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