Women’s T20 World Cup Heads to England with Record-Breaking Expectations

History beckons 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.

Running from June 12 to July 5 across seven venues in England and Wales, the 2026 showpiece marks another significant 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 its history, 12 teams will compete for the title. Previous editions 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 launch 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 the 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 FAVOURITES?
Picking a favourite for the World Cup is no easy task, but Australia once again enter the tournament as the team to beat. The six-time champions remain No.1 in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings and possess unmatched depth, with stars such as Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Ash Gardner and Annabel Sutherland capable of turning games on their own.

Hosts England are expected to be among Australia’s biggest challengers. Backed 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 winning the recent series against New Zealand and India.

India, meanwhile, cannot be ignored. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side arrive as 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 on the biggest stage.

Defending champions New Zealand will also fancy their chances of retaining the crown, while South Africa, runners-up in recent ICC events, remain dangerous. On paper, Australia, England and India appear the leading contenders, but in a tournament as unpredictable as the T20 World Cup, the margin between glory and heartbreak is often just a few deliveries.

CAN INDIA MAKE HISTORY?
Can India finally break their T20 World Cup jinx and lift the trophy for the first time? There is certainly reason for optimism. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side arrive in England as reigning ODI world champions, carrying the confidence that comes from ending years of heartbreak to secure their maiden ICC title.

India have come close before. They finished runners-up in 2020 and reached the semi-finals in 2023, only to fall short against Australia in a thriller. With experienced campaigners such as Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh, alongside emerging talents like Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani, India possess a balanced squad capable of challenging any side.

The conditions in England should also suit India’s blend of seam and spin. However, consistency remains the key. Recent series defeats to South Africa and England exposed weaknesses in both batting and bowling. If India can overcome those concerns and handle pressure in knockout matches, history may finally be within reach at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

When to watch Women’s T20 World Cup 2026?
Matches in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will start at 3 PM, 7 PM and 11 PM IST.

Where to watch Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India?
Star Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Live Streaming of the matches will be available on JioHotstar.

Squads for Women’s T20 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, Radha Yadav

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, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Nierkerk

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 Ferdous, Taj Nehar

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 Lawrence, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Sterre Kalis

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, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu

West Indies
Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, 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, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana 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

Full Schedule for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
June 12, 2026

England Women vs Sri Lanka Women – 11:00 PM IST

June 13, 2026

Scotland Women vs Ireland Women – 3:00 PM IST

Australia Women vs South Africa Women – 7:00 PM IST

West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women – 11:00 PM IST

June 14, 2026

Bangladesh Women vs Netherlands Women – 3:00 PM IST

India Women vs Pakistan Women – 7:00 PM IST
June 16, 2026

New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women – 7:00 PM IST

England Women vs Ireland Women – 11:00 PM IST

June 17, 2026

Australia Women vs Bangladesh Women – 3:00 PM IST

India Women vs Netherlands Women – 7:00 PM 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 – 3:00 PM IST

Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women – 7:00 PM IST

England Women vs Scotland Women – 11:00 PM IST

June 21, 2026

West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women – 3:00 PM IST

South Africa Women vs India Women – 7:00 PM IST

June 23, 2026

New Zealand Women vs Scotland Women – 3:00 PM IST

Sri Lanka Women vs Ireland Women – 7:00 PM 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 – 7:00 PM 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 – 3:00 PM IST

West Indies Women vs Ireland Women – 7:00 PM IST

England Women vs New Zealand Women – 11:00 PM IST

June 28, 2026

South Africa Women vs Bangladesh Women – 3:00 PM IST

Australia Women vs India Women – 7:00 PM IST

June 30, 2026

Semi-final 1 – 7:00 PM IST

July 2, 2026

Semi-final 2 – 11:00 PM IST

July 5, 2026

Final – 7:00 PM IST