Women’s T20 World Cup begins with major contenders facing an early exit threat

LONDON: The Women’s T20 World Cup gets under way on Friday with hosts England taking on Sri Lanka in Birmingham, and the tournament opens with the prospect of at least one leading side being eliminated before the semi-finals.

The 12-team event is divided into two groups of six, but Group One has brought together three of the strongest teams in women’s cricket — Australia, India and South Africa. With only two teams from each pool advancing, one of those sides is certain to miss out on the knockout stage. The final is scheduled to be played at Lord’s on July 5.

Group Two appears less complicated on paper, with defending champions New Zealand and England among the favourites to progress. However, both teams are expected to be cautious of the West Indies, who won the tournament in 2016 but have not consistently reproduced that level in recent years. Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands are also in the competition, representing European cricket alongside Asian sides including Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Stronger depth across the field

The expansion of domestic white-ball competitions such as Australia’s Big Bash, England’s Hundred and India’s Women’s Premier League has increased exposure for elite women cricketers to high-level matches outside major international tournaments.

Australia, long the dominant force in the women’s game, enter this edition without a global title to defend for the first time since 2018, despite having won the T20 World Cup six times. Captain Sophie Molineux said the situation could work in the team’s favour.

I think it can free us up if we harness that. The last couple of World Cups we've learnt a whole lot from that and been able to implement a few things. I feel like we've really evolved as a team in the last few months.

Australia have handed the captaincy to left-arm spinner Molineux following the retirement of Alyssa Healy, but the decision may create a selection headache, with leg-spinner Alana King set to miss out.

India, South Africa and New Zealand in focus

India arrive as the 50-over world champions and possess an accomplished batting line-up featuring Smriti Mandhana, Yastika Bhatia and Jemimah Rodrigues, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the team. Although they have been inconsistent since reaching England for a bilateral series, they are still viewed as capable of defeating any side on their day.

When asked on Sunday whether this could be her final global tournament at the age of 37, Kaur responded sharply.

You think I should stop?

South Africa, runners-up in each of the last three major women’s finals, have brought back two experienced players from retirement: fast bowler Shabnim Ismail and batter Dane van Niekerk. Ismail remains the record-holder for the fastest delivery in women’s international cricket, having clocked 128 kmh (80 mph) against the West Indies in 2016.

New Zealand, the surprise champions in 2024, are heading into the event with less pressure this time. The tournament will mark the final global appearance for Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, while Lea Tahuhu is also set to retire.

England seek home success

England have won every women’s World Cup staged on home soil, but they have not claimed a world title since lifting the 50-over trophy at Lord’s in 2017. Charlotte Edwards was appointed head coach after England’s 16-0 defeat in the 2024/25 multi-format Ashes.

Her squad, captained by all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, includes 21-year-olds Freya Kemp and Alice Capsey. Edwards said the current side had changed significantly since the Ashes.

It's a very different side to the one that walked out in the last game of the Ashes... We've seen a real confidence build in those players. A real belief.