Women’s T20 World Cup Pool B Preview: Can West Indies, Sri Lanka surprise favourites?

ByTech Word News

Pool B promises to be one of the most competitive pools at the Women’s World T20 2026, featuring England, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Scotland. Defending champions New Zealand will enter the tournament full of confidence after winning their first Women’s T20 World Cup title in 2024 and will be among the favorites to reach the semi-finals.

Hosts England will also fancy their chances, especially with captain Nate Sciver-Brunt fit and available for the tournament. Playing in home conditions could give the England team a significant advantage as they look to end their wait for a major ICC trophy.

West Indies have enough firepower to challenge any team on their day, while Sri Lanka will rely heavily on their experienced core to go deep. Ireland and Scotland may be considered outsiders, but both sides are showing steady improvement and will be in for a few surprises.

With two heavyweight opponents in England and New Zealand and some dangerous dark horses in the mix, Group B is expected to deliver thrilling contests and a fierce battle for the two semi-final spots.

NEW ZEALAND, ENGLAND HUGE FAVORITE

New Zealand and England are favorites to qualify from Group B. Courtesy: Reuters

England and New Zealand head into the tournament as the strongest contenders to emerge from Group B, thanks to their impressive recent form and squads full of match-winners.

Defending champions New Zealand enjoyed a dominant domestic season as they crushed South Africa 4-1 in the five-match T20I series. Captain Amelia Kerr led from the front with some all-round performanceswhile veterans Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates continued to provide stability and firepower. The White Ferns wrapped up the series with a commanding 92-run victory in Christchurch to seal their title.

Although New Zealand later suffered a 1–2 T20I series defeat to England, they remained highly competitive and showcased the depth that helped them become world champions. The tournament also holds special significance for the White Ferns as Devine, Bates and Lea Tahuhu will retire from international cricket after the World Cup.

Meanwhile, England arrived with a lot of momentum after securing a 2-1 T20I series win over India. Alice Capsey played a crucial role with 82, while Heather Knight’s unbeaten 70 helped England chase down 181 in one of their most successful T20I runs. The return to full fitness of captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is another big boost.

With proven stars like Kerr, Devine, Sciver-Brunt, Capsey and Knight in their ranks, New Zealand and England are deserved favorites to reach the semi-finals from Group B.

WEST INDIES, SRI LANKA LOOK FOR INSPIRING MOMENTS

Sri Lanka will enter the Women’s T20 World Cup as one of the dark horses. Courtesy: Reuters

Sri Lanka and the West Indies have enough quality and experience to challenge England and New Zealand for a semi-final berth in Group B. Sri Lanka will enter the tournament with confidence after a successful tour of the Caribbean earlier this year where they won both the ODI and T20I series against the West Indies. At the heart of that success was captain Chamari Athapaththu, who finished as Sri Lanka’s top scorer and carried her excellent form into 2026.

The veteran all-rounder also starred in the 3-0 T20I series in Bangladesh, winning the Player of the Series award and climbing the ICC rankings. Alongside Athapaththa, Harshitha Samarawickram and Kavisha Dilhari add valuable depth to the side.

West Indies, meanwhile, will rely heavily on captain Hayley Matthews, one of the world’s leading all-rounders. Matthews has scored more than 2,700 T20I runs and continues to produce match-winning performances, while veteran batsmen Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor provide invaluable pedigree for big matches.

The Caribbean side, who won the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2016, know what it takes to succeed on the global stage and are capable of upsetting any opponent in their time.

IRELAND, SCOTLAND LOOK FOR THE IMPACT

Scotland won the T20 Women’s World Cup qualifier earlier this year. Courtesy: Reuters

Ireland and Scotland head into the Women’s T20 World Cup as underdogs, but both sides have shown enough promise recently that they believe they can spring a few surprises in Group B. Ireland enjoyed a memorable victory over Pakistan in their last bilateral T20I series, winning the opener by 11 runs in Dublin.

Key players such as captain Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter and all-rounder Orla Prendergast have been central to Ireland’s progress, with Prendergast continuing to establish herself as one of the most impressive all-rounders in affiliated and emerging women’s cricket.

Meanwhile, Scotland arrived with a lot of momentum after winning the home T20I tri-series with Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Captain Kathryn Bryce played throughout the tournament, finishing among the top scorers and making a vital contribution with the ball.

Katherine Fraser also impressed with her all-round performances, while Kirstie Gordon was one of Scotland’s most effective goals. Scotland won three out of four matches to lift the trophy, underlining the confidence they carry into the World Cup.

While neither side is expected to challenge for the title, Ireland and Scotland have enough talent and belief to trouble the more favored teams and potentially influence the battle for the semi-final positions.

Players to watch out for

Amelia Kerr will be key for New Zealand. Courtesy: Reuters

Amelia Kerr – Since replacing Sophie Devine as New Zealand’s captain, Amelia Kerr has raised her game to another level. She led from the front with both bat and ball and consistently put in impressive performances. Kerr was named Player of the Series during the White Ferns’ triumphant 2024 campaign and New Zealand will be hoping to maintain that form as they look for another strong showing on the global stage.

Nat Sciver Brunt – The England captain has had a tough time recovering from a calf injury, with Charlie Dean leading the way in her absence. A proven match winner with both bat and ball, the veteran remains a key figure for England. The hosts will be hoping for her quick return as they look to lift the trophy on home soil at Lord’s.

Hayley Matthews – The West Indies captain may still be relatively young, but she already has decades of international experience under her belt. One of the most sought-after female cricketers in the T20 franchise, she is known for her exceptional all-round ability. Matthews will need to lead from the front and perform consistently if West Indies are to secure a top-two finish and book a place in the semi-finals.

Chamari Athapatthu – The Sri Lankan captain is set to feature in her 10th Women’s World T20 and all eyes will be on her. A powerful left-handed batsman capable of turning matches with her aggressive strokeplay, she remains Sri Lanka’s biggest match-winner. It goes without saying that he will be the focal point of his team’s fortunes. With support from the rest of the team, Athapaththu will hope to spring a few surprises.

Group B Teams for Women’s T20 World Cup

England

Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

New Zealand

Amelia Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nancy Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu

West Indies

Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbell, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Shawnisha Hector

Sri Lanka

Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Awyod Kawya, Kawyara, Awayara Vimukthi

Ireland

Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector

Scotland

Kathryn Bryce (c), Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Gabriella Fontenla, Katherine Fraser, Kirstie Gordon, Ailsa Lister, Maisie Maceira, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul

Women’s T20 World Cup Group B Matches

June 12, 2026

  • England Women vs Sri Lanka Women — Edgbaston, Birmingham

June 13, 2026

  • West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women — Rose Bowl, Southampton

June 16, 2026

  • New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women — Rose Bowl, Southampton
  • England Women v Ireland Women — Rose Bowl, Southampton

June 18, 2026

  • West Indies Women Vs. Scottish Women — Headingley, Leeds

June 19, 2026

  • New Zealand Women vs Ireland Women — Rose Bowl, Southampton

June 20, 2026

  • England Women Vs. Scottish Women — Headingley, Leeds

June 21, 2026

  • West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women — County Ground, Bristol

June 23, 2026

  • New Zealand Women v Scotland Women — County Ground, Bristol
  • Sri Lanka Women vs Ireland Women — County Ground, Bristol

June 24, 2026

  • England Women vs West Indies Women — Lord’s, London

June 26, 2026

  • Sri Lanka Women Vs. Scotland Women — Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

June 27, 2026

  • West Indies Women vs Ireland Women — County Ground, Bristol
  • England Women vs New Zealand Women — Kennington Oval, London

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

09 Jun 2026 17:00 IST