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 with the race for the semifinals beginning to take shape, 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, meanwhile, have made an encouraging start of their own, securing a historic win followed by a spirited showing against West Indies - albeit in a defeat - to arrive at Headingley full of belief.

England have looked every bit the title contenders in their first week of the tournament. Danni Wyatt-Hodge's century laid the foundation for a commanding opening victory over Sri Lanka, with the emphatic win also handing them an early net run rate boost, a factor that could prove decisive later in the group stage. The hosts backed that up with an equally convincing display against Ireland. While the batters did enough to set up the game, it was England's spin attack that stole the show, squeezing the chase from the outset and underlining the depth at their disposal. With different departments stepping up in successive matches, England have ticked plenty of boxes heading into the clash against Scotland.

Scotland arrive in Leeds with confidence intact 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, achieved through a disciplined bowling effort and a composed chase. They came close to following it up with an even bigger statement against West Indies, pushing the Caribbean team before falling short. The performance nevertheless showcased their growing competitiveness and left them with a healthy net run rate. An upset here would significantly strengthen Scotland's semifinal credentials, but overcoming a strong England side represents their sternest challenge yet and will need a collective effort from them.

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

Where: Leeds, Headingley

What to expect: In the three games played so far at Leeds, Australia restricted Bangladesh to 77, India posted 209 against the Netherlands while Scotland nearly chased down West Indies' total of 153. In the five women's T20 matches played at the venue this season, including the T20 Blast, teams batting first have won thrice, with the average first innings total in wins being 170. Spinners have had more success here compared to the pacers. Conditions are expected to be pleasant with temperatures in the early 20 degree Celsius.

Team news:

England: The hosts won't have the services of Nat Sciver-Brunt for the next two games. The regular skipper suffered a left calf muscle strain while batting in the match against Ireland and retired hurt. Vice-captain Charlie Dean will lead the team while Sophia Dunkley is likely to replace Sciver-Brunt in the eleven.

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 had 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.

Did you know?

- England and Scotland have played in a T20I only once before - in the 2024 T20 World Cup - with England winning by 10 wickets.

- Spinners have bagged 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.

What they said:

"It's been class. Like, it's been so good. I think it's been said a lot, but 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 we've definitely felt that, and I think it kind of gives you that extra 5% in games and even just around all the games." - Rachel Slater, on the support for Scotland in this World Cup.