The contrast could not be starker in Group 2 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 as second-placed West Indies prepare to face bottom-of-the-table Ireland. The West Indies have enjoyed a strong campaign so far, sitting comfortably with six points from three wins and just one loss, maintaining a positive net run rate of 0.008. Ireland, on the other hand, have had a tournament to forget, languishing in sixth place with zero points after dropping all four of their matches and carrying a net run rate of -1.277. While the Caribbean side is pushing to solidify their knockout credentials, the Irish team is playing for survival and a chance to exit with their heads held high.
Squads:
West Indies Women’s Cricket Team
Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle (WK), Shawnisha Hector, Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Jahzara Claxton, Mandy Mangru, Zaida James, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Qiana Joseph, Aaliyah Alleyne, Jannillea Glasgow, Ashmini Munisar
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Gaby Lewis (C), Amy Hunter (WK), Rebecca Stokell, Orla Prendergast, Arlene Kelly, Leah Paul, Alice Tector, Louise Little, Coulter Reilly, Ava Canning, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Georgina Dempsey, Alana Dalzell, Aimee Maguire
Players to watch out:
Gaby Lewis
Gaby Lewis has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s top order, featuring in 118 T20Is and compiling 3,176 runs at an average of 31.44, with two centuries and 20 half-centuries highlighting her long career. She has brought that top-tier consistency straight into this tournament to anchor her team’s batting efforts. Lewis has built on her impressive career foundation by scoring 128 runs across her 4 tournament matches, registering the highest score of 59 and adding two more half-centuries to her international tally.
Shemaine Campbelle
Shemaine Campbelle brings an immense amount of veteran experience to the West Indies setup, having played 158 T20Is where she has anchored the middle order with 1,681 runs and the highest score of 90*. Her poise under pressure has been a massive asset for her side in the current tournament. She has stepped up significantly by smashing 150 runs in 4 matches at a stellar average of 50.00, highlighted by a brilliant unbeaten 90* that stands as one of her finest recent knocks.
Orla Prendergast
Orla Prendergast has developed into a dynamic force for Ireland, featuring in 87 T20Is and scoring 1,991 career runs at a brisk strike rate of 122.22 alongside 13 half-centuries. She has maintained her status as a genuine impact player during this world event by contributing across departments. She has chipped in with 118 runs in her 4 tournament outings—including a top score of 59—while simultaneously delivering a full quota of 16 overs to claim 5 wickets with best figures of 2/17.
Hayley Matthews
West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews boasts an outstanding all-round legacy, having amassed 3,330 runs with three centuries in 125 T20Is while also snaring 128 wickets at a brilliant career economy of 6.16. Her ability to change a game with both disciplines has been heavily on display during this tournament. While she has had a quieter time by her standards with the bat, reveals she has been an absolute weapon with the ball, tearing through opponents to collect 8 wickets in 4 matches with an economy of 6.06 and best figures of 3/15.
Pitch:
The pitch at Bristol has historically leaned toward being bowler-friendly. However, modern limited-overs formats have seen it evolve into a high-scoring ground featuring flat surfaces and plenty of runs. A notable feature is its relatively long boundaries, requiring batters to hit cleanly or rely heavily on hard running
Weather:
The weather in Bristol will feature sunny intervals with a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C and an overnight low of 17°C.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Hayley Matthews, Shemaine Campbelle, Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter, Orla Prendergast, Ava Canning, Lara McBride
Match Details:
Date – June 27, 2026
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – County Ground, Bristol
Broadcast – Star Sports Network & JioHotstar
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