Match 3, 13 June – Australia v South Africa
The very third match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will have two modern-day powerhouses in action against each other in Manchester.
ICC No. 1-ranked T20I side Australia, also six-time champions of the tournament, will look to come out on top in their tournament opener against a Proteas side that has finished runners-up in each of the last two editions (2023 and 2024), including a defeat to Australia in the 2023 final on home soil.
With Australia entering a new era under captain Sophie Molineux following Alyssa Healy’s tenure, attention will also turn to how the experienced core of Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner, among others, take the team forward in the new era. Australia’s depth and tournament pedigree have long made them the benchmark in women’s T20 cricket, and they will once again begin as one of the favourites for the title.
Standing in their way is a confident South African side led by the in-form Laura Wolvaardt. The Proteas skipper recently enjoyed an excellent run against India in a five-match T20I series that rounded off South Africa’s preparations for the global event, while all-rounders Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon and the experience of Tazmin Brits and Nadine de Klerk will add valuable depth to the side.
The fixture also revives a growing rivalry between two teams that have consistently challenged for global honours in recent years. With Group 1 also featuring India and Pakistan, an early statement win could prove crucial in the race for the semi-finals.
Match 4, 13 June – West Indies v New Zealand
The opening weekend of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues with a fascinating contest as the ever-dangerous West Indies take on defending champions New Zealand in Southampton.
New Zealand will begin their title defence carrying the confidence of their historic triumph in 2024, a campaign that showcased their composure under pressure and all-round strength. Under captain Melie Kerr, the White Ferns have evolved into one of the most balanced sides in world cricket at the moment.
The defending champions will once again lean on the experience of Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu, all of whom are set to play their final ICC tournament before stepping away from international cricket.
A powerful West Indies side capable of changing the course of a match within a few overs stand in their way in their tournament’s first game. Led by the inspirational Hayley Matthews, the Caribbean side possesses explosive firepower with both bat and ball. Matthews, alongside the likes of Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry, gives West Indies the kind of match-winning ability few teams in the tournament can match on their day.
On top of that, the West Indies, who won the tournament in 2016 also finished semi-finalists in the previous edition and will look to disrupt New Zealand’s title defence plans right at the start.
The clash also presents an intriguing contrast in styles, with New Zealand’s structured, disciplined approach against West Indies’ aggressive flair and attacking intent. With both teams expected to challenge strongly for a semi-final spot in Group 2, an early victory could provide crucial momentum heading deeper into the competition.