Hosts England face Sri Lanka as Australia, India, and South Africa battle for limited semi-final spots in a highly competitive tournament.
Image: Tapmad
The Women’s T20 World Cup begins on Friday in England, with hosts England Women’s Cricket Team taking on Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team in the opening match at Birmingham.
The tournament features 12 teams split into two groups, with only the top two from each group reaching the semi-finals. Group One is especially challenging, as Australia Women’s Cricket Team, India Women’s Cricket Team, and South Africa Women’s Cricket Team will compete for just two knockout spots.
Six-time champions Australia enter the tournament without a world title to defend for the first time since 2018. Captain Sophie Molineux believes the team can use that freedom to their advantage.
India remain strong contenders, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and star batter Smriti Mandhana. South Africa, finalists in recent global events, have recalled veterans Shabnim Ismail and Dane van Niekerk.
Defending champions New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team will aim to repeat their surprise success from 2024, while England seek their first world title since 2017 under coach Charlotte Edwards.
With several strong teams in contention, this year’s tournament is expected to be one of the most open and competitive Women’s T20 World Cups in recent history.
