England are gearing up for history as the Women’s T20 World Cup promises to be a blockbuster
History continues as the Women’s T20 World Cup returns to England for the first time since 2009, with the 2026 edition set to be the biggest and most ambitious in the tournament’s history. The 2026 exhibition, which runs from June 12 to July 5 across seven venues in England and Wales, marks another major milestone in the growth of women’s cricket.
What makes this edition particularly special is the expansion of the tournament. For the first time in history, 12 teams will compete for the title. The previous edition featured 10 teams, but the expanded format will see 33 matches played over 24 days, creating greater opportunities for emerging nations such as Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands to make their mark on the global stage.
Hosts England will open the tournament against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, while the final will be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5. The presence of debutants Netherlands alongside established powers such as Australia, India, England and defending champions New Zealand underlines both the growing depth of competition and the expanding global footprint of the women’s game.
WHO ARE THE FAVORITES?
Picking a World Cup favorite is no easy task, but Australia once again enter the tournament as the team to beat. The six-time champions remain top of the ICC Women’s T20I rankings and have unbeatable depth, with stars like Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Ash Gardner and Annabel Sutherland capable of playing games on their own.
Hosts England are expected to be among Australia’s biggest challengers. Buoyed by home conditions and a strong squad featuring Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Alice Capsey, England head into the tournament with momentum after recent series wins against New Zealand and India.
At the same time, India cannot be ignored. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side come in as the reigning ODI world champions and boast match-winners in Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma. Despite their patchy form, India have shown they can rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
Defending champions New Zealand will also enjoy their chances retaining the crown while South Africa, ranked second in recent ICC events, remain dangerous. On paper, Australia, England and India appear to be the frontrunners, but in a tournament as unpredictable as the T20 World Cup, the difference between glory and heartbreak is often just a few deliveries away.
CAN INDIA MAKE HISTORY?
Can India finally break their T20 World Cup doldrums? and lift the trophy for the first time? There is certainly reason for optimism. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side arrive in England as the reigning ODI world champions and carry the confidence that springs from ending years of heartbreak to secure their maiden ICC title.
India has come close to this before. They finished runners-up in 2020 and reached the semi-finals in 2023, but fell short of Australia in a thriller. With veteran batsmen like Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh along with new talents like Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani, India have a balanced squad capable of taking on any side.
The conditions in England should also suit India’s seam and spin mix. However, consistency remains the key. Recent losing streaks to South Africa and England have exposed weaknesses in both batting and bowling. If India can overcome these fears and handle the pressure in the knockout matches, history may finally be within reach at the 2026 Women’s World Cup T20.
When to watch T20 Women’s World Cup 2026?
Women’s World Cup T20 2026 matches will start at 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM IST.
Where to watch FIFA Women’s World Cup T20 2026 in India?
Star Sports Network has the broadcast rights for Women’s World Cup T20 2026. Live streaming of the matches will be available on JioHotstar.
Teams for T20 Women’s World Cup 2026
India
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radhadavka Patil
Australia
Sophie Molineux (c), Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
South Africa
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Dan Chloe Nierk Tryon
Pakistan
Fatima Sana (c), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Saira Jabeen, Muneeba Ali, Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Tasmia Rubab
Bangladesh
Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Fer
Netherlands
Babette de Leede (c), Caroline de Lange, Frederique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Rosalie Kali Lawrence, Sanyaers Khurana, Sre Siegers, Silver
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
Complete T20 Women’s World Cup 2026 Schedule
June 12, 2026
England Women Vs. Sri Lanka Women – 23:00 IST
June 13, 2026
Scotland Women Vs. Ireland Women – 15:00 IST
Australia Women Vs. South Africa Women – 19:00 IST
West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women – 11:00 PM IST
June 14, 2026
Bangladesh Women Vs. Netherlands Women – 15:00 IST
India Women Vs. Pakistan Women – 19:00 IST
June 16, 2026
New Zealand Women Vs. Sri Lanka Women – 19:00 IST
England Women Vs. Ireland Women – 11:00 PM IST
June 17, 2026
Australia Women Vs. Bangladesh Women – 15:00 IST
India Women Vs. Netherlands Women – 19:00 IST
South Africa Women vs. Pakistan Women – 11:00 PM IST
June 18, 2026
West Indies Women Vs. Scotland Women – 11:00 PM IST
June 19, 2026
New Zealand Women Vs. Ireland Women – 11:00 PM IST
June 20, 2026
Australia Women Vs. Netherlands Women – 15:00 IST
Pakistan Women Vs. Bangladesh Women – 19:00 IST
England Women Vs. Scotland Women – 11:00 PM IST
June 21, 2026
West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women – 15:00 IST
South Africa Women vs. India Women – 19:00 IST
June 23, 2026
New Zealand Women Vs. Scotland Women – 15:00 IST
Sri Lanka Women Vs. Ireland Women – 19:00 IST
Australia Women Vs. Pakistan Women – 11:00 PM IST
June 24, 2026
England Women Vs. West Indies Women – 11:00 PM IST
June 25, 2026
India Women Vs. Bangladesh Women – 19:00 IST
South Africa Women vs. Netherlands Women – 11:00 PM IST
June 26, 2026
Sri Lanka Women Vs. Scotland Women – 11:00 PM IST
June 27, 2026
Pakistan Women Vs. Netherlands Women – 15:00 IST
West Indies Women Vs. Ireland Women – 19:00 IST
England Women Vs. New Zealand Women – 11:00 PM IST
June 28, 2026
South Africa Women vs. Bangladesh Women – 15:00 IST
Australia Women Vs. India Women – 19:00 IST
June 30, 2026
Semi Final 1:00 PM IST
July 2, 2026
Semi Finals 14:00 – 23:00 IST
July 5, 2026
Final – 19:00 IST
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
12 Jun 2026 09:01 IST