The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 moves into a crucial phase as Pakistan Women lock horns with South Africa Women in Match 11 of Group 1 at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 17. Both sides head into this contest desperate to open their account after suffering defeats in their respective opening fixtures. With the group stage beginning to take shape, this encounter could prove pivotal in determining which team keeps its semifinal hopes alive and which side faces an uphill battle for qualification.
Pakistan Women endured a disappointing start to their campaign and currently sit fifth in the Group 1 standings with a net run rate of -3.200. Led by Fatima Sana, Pakistan will be looking to bounce back strongly and draw confidence from their recent record against South Africa. On the other hand, Proteas find themselves just below Pakistan in the standings with a net run rate of -3.250 following their opening defeat. They entered the tournament with high expectations after consistently performing well in major ICC events over the last few years.
Squads:
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Anneke Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk
Players to watch out:
Fatima Sana
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana remains one of the most influential all-rounders in women’s cricket. In her 56 T20I innings she has picked up 50 wickets at an economy rate of 7.55 while also contributing valuable runs lower down the order; 715 in only 40 innings. Her ability to strike with the new ball and provide crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs makes her Pakistan’s biggest weapon. With questions surrounding Pakistan’s batting depth, Fatima’s all-round contributions could prove decisive in this must-win encounter.
Laura Wolvaardt
South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt continues to be the backbone of the Proteas batting lineup. The stylish opener has amassed 2808 runs in 93 T20I innings at an outstanding average of 39.00 and a strike rate of 121.82. Her ability to anchor an innings while accelerating when required makes her one of the most dangerous batters in the tournament. South Africa will expect a significant contribution from their captain as they seek their first victory of the World Cup.
Sadia Iqbal
Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has been one of Pakistan’s most consistent wicket-takers in the shortest format. She has collected 75 wickets in 59 T20I innings while maintaining an excellent economy rate of 5.87. Her ability to control the scoring rate and break partnerships in the middle overs makes her a crucial component of Pakistan’s bowling attack. On an Edgbaston surface that can offer assistance to slower bowlers, Sadia could have a major role to play.
Nonkululeko Mlaba
South Africa’s premier spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba enters the contest in excellent form. The left-arm spinner has claimed 74 wickets from 76 T20I innings while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.42. Mlaba’s ability to generate turn and extract bounce often troubles opposition batters, especially during the middle phase of the innings. If South Africa are to restrict Pakistan’s batting lineup, Mlaba’s spell could be one of the defining factors in the match.
Pitch:
The pitch at Edgbaston, Birmingham, traditionally offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers generally enjoy assistance with the new ball due to the movement available early on, especially under overcast conditions. As the match progresses, spinners can also find some grip during the middle overs, making variation and control essential.
Weather:
The forecast for Birmingham suggests mostly pleasant conditions for cricket. Temperatures are expected to hover between 16°C and 22°C during the day, with partly cloudy skies throughout the evening. The chances of rain remain low, ensuring a full contest is likely.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Laura Wolvaardt, Fatima Sana, Marizanne Kapp, Ayesha Zafar, Sune Luus, Aliya Riaz, Chloe Tryon, Sadia Iqbal, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, Diana Baig
Match Details:
Date – June 17, 2026
Time – 11:00 PM IST
Venue – Edgbaston, Birmingham
Broadcast – Star Sports & JioHotstar
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