October 2026 promises a packed month for women’s cricket, with bilateral white-ball series across Australia, India and Zimbabwe, age-group action in Pakistan, a T20 tri-series in Malaysia and the return of the Women’s Big Bash League. The month begins with ongoing contests in Zimbabwe and Malaysia before attention shifts to Australia’s high-profile meetings with Bangladesh and New Zealand, Zimbabwe’s maiden bilateral tour of India, and the 12th edition of the WBBL from 29th October.
India A Sign-Off in Style in the all-format series against Australia A
India A, led by Yastika Bhatia, ended their all-format home series against Australia A on a resounding high by winning the one-off four-day unofficial Test by 281 runs. Australia A, captained by Rachel Trenaman, had arrived for a series running from 12th September to 1st October 2026, and the hosts recovered impressively after losing the T20 leg 0-3. India A claimed the One Day series 2-1 before dominating the unofficial Test, underlining the depth emerging from India’s domestic system.
West Indies Extend Their Grip in Zimbabwe
West Indies’ tour of Zimbabwe, which began on 24th September and concludes on 7th October, has already delivered a strong statement from the visitors. After taking the three-match ODI series 2-1, West Indies won the opening T20I by eight wickets to move 1-0 ahead in the three-match T20I series. Zimbabwe, led by Josephine Nkomo, will need a rapid response in the remaining matches to avoid ending the tour without a T20I win.
Bangladesh Make Historic Australia Visit
Australia will host Bangladesh for the first time in a bilateral women’s ODI series from 9th to 14th October. Stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath leads the home side in the three-match series, while Nigar Sultana Joty captains Bangladesh. For Bangladesh, the tour represents a valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of the sport’s most consistent sides, while Australia will look to maintain their formidable home record.
Spring Challenge Sets WBBL Stage
The T20 Spring Challenge 2026 will run from 12th to 21st October, featuring nine teams, including the ACT Meteors. Positioned immediately before the WBBL, the tournament offers emerging players and fringe squad members a competitive platform to press their claims. It also provides an early look at form and combinations ahead of the 12th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, which begins on 29th October.
Zimbabwe Embark on Maiden India Tour
Zimbabwe will tour India for the first time from 16th to 28th October for a six-match white-ball bilateral series. Josephine Nkomo’s side will play three T20Is followed by three ODIs against India. The historic tour gives Zimbabwe exposure against a top-tier opponent and offers India a chance to assess their white-ball resources across two formats in familiar home conditions.
Trans-Tasman Rivalry Resumes
New Zealand will return to Australia for a three-match T20I series from 18th to 22nd October, their first tour there since September-October 2020. On that occasion, Australia won the T20I series 2-1 and completed a 3-0 sweep in the ODIs. With both teams preparing for another intense trans-Tasman chapter, the short series should carry plenty of competitive edge despite its compact schedule. The White Ferns will return to Australia for a three-match ODI series from 6th to 10th March 2027.
WBBL 12 Begins in Melbourne
The 12th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League will be played from 29th October to 5th December 2026. Hobart Hurricanes enter as defending champions after Elyse Villani captained them to a maiden title, beating Sophie Devine’s Perth Scorchers by eight wickets in the previous final. Villani has since retired from the tournament, leaving the Hurricanes to defend their crown without their title-winning leader. Melbourne Renegades will face Sydney Thunder in the opener at Junction Oval, Melbourne, from 10:10 AM IST on 29th October.
Malaysia Host T20 Tri-Series
Malaysia’s women’s T20 tri-series, featuring Malaysia, Samoa and Indonesia, began on 3rd October and runs until 8th October. Malaysia opened with a win over Samoa, before Samoa responded by defeating Indonesia by three wickets in the second game. With all three teams in early contention, the remaining fixtures should shape an intriguing race for the title.
Under-19 Tri-Series Gathers Pace
Pakistan are hosting Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in a Women’s Under-19 T20 tri-series from 2nd to 16th October in Faisalabad. Bangladesh made the strongest start, beating Pakistan by 30 runs in the opener, but the hosts hit back with a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in their second match. With three teams still in the mix, the tournament promises competitive cricket and a useful development pathway for the next generation.
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