'There's extra pressure from everywhere' - Nat Sciver-Brunt on England's homecoming ahead of Women's T20 World Cup 2026

England Women's skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt has spoken about the extra pressure of having to play a World Cup at home as England gear up for their first ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 match against Sri Lanka in Edgbaston on June 12.

England's last home World Cup in 2017 saw them lift the ODI World Cup Trophy after a dramatic final victory against India. Four ICC tournaments have been played in England, of which the Lionesses have won all four. Of the four, one was the inaugural 2009 T20 World Cup, England's only triumph in this format to date.

"There's extra pressure from everywhere. Being the host nation, first home World Cup for me leading, the Lionesses and the Red Roses doing such a brilliant job in their tournaments, the state of women's cricket, the list goes on in terms of where you could add up the pressure," Sciver-Brunt told reporters at Edgbaston, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"I guess we're sat here feeling that pressure as a privilege. We're in a time in the world where women's cricket is waiting for a platform in cricket to expand and explode. It just so happens that we're the 15 people who have the opportunity to do that at this time," she added.

Sciver-Brunt acknowledged the pressure of history behind the team and accepted that, despite the pressure, the team ensure that they are composed at all times.

"Inside our Team England bubble we're trying to stay composed despite the pressure. There'll be different times where it's more difficult to not let the outside noise in, but I suppose we're in a privileged position to be able to feel that. I'm really excited about what's to come," she concluded.

Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu, a veteran of the format, has embraced her side's underdog tag, but believes that the pressure on the England team would be much more severe due to their status as host nation. She is making her 10th appearance in the T20 World Cups, having played in every edition since 2009.

"We are coming in with the underdog tag because we need to earn something," Athapaththu said. "But I know England have a little bit of pressure because they are playing in their home conditions, and first game, and a lot of expectation. We don't have that kind of pressure. So, we just need to play our fearless cricket. And if we can play our best cricket tomorrow, I know we can challenge and we can make history," the Lankan captain said.

The inaugural match of the Women's T20 World Cup will be played between England and Sri Lanka at the Edgbaston in Birmingham on Friday, June 12.