The stage is set at the Arnos Vale Ground as the West Indies prepare to host the world-beating Australians for the first of three T20Is on March 19. This series is a massive litmus test for both sides with the World Cup on the horizon, pitting Australia’s clinical depth against the maroon flair of a Caribbean side that thrives on raw power. It is a classic clash of styles—the visitors arrive with their usual aura of dominance under Sophie Molineux, while the Windies will be leaning heavily on home advantage to cause an early upset in Kingstown.
The battle will likely be won or lost in the middle overs on a surface that traditionally rewards clever spin. With the pitch expected to be a sub-140-run track, all eyes will be on the heavyweight duel between captains and all-rounders. Hayley Matthews remains the prized wicket for Australia, but the return of Deandra Dottin adds a dangerous X-factor to the middle order. For Australia, the focus stays on Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry to lay a stable foundation, ensuring their spin-heavy attack has a competitive total to defend on a ground where chasing has historically been a tough task.
Head-to-Head (T20Is):
- Total Matches Played – 16
- West Indies Wins – 2
- Australia Wins – 14
Historically, Australia has held a vice-like grip on this rivalry, winning 14 of the 16 T20Is played between the two nations. While the lopsided record suggests total dominance, the two occasions where West Indies did breakthrough were moments that shifted the landscape of the sport—most notably their iconic 2016 World Cup final victory. The Windies will be desperate to improve on these numbers at home, knowing that while they are the underdogs on paper, their rare wins against this clinical Aussie side usually happen in spectacular fashion.
Squads:
West Indies Women’s Cricket Team
Hayley Matthews, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James
Australia Women’s Cricket Team
Sophie Molineux, Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia Wilson
Where to Watch: West Indies Women vs Australia Women – 1st T20I
Date: March 20th, 2026 (Friday)
Time: 4:00 AM IST
Venue: Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent
Broadcast & Live Streaming Details:
India – FanCode
Prime Video – Official Streaming Partner
Australia/New Zealand – Expected on Disney+, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, SKY NZ
Caribbean – Fans can tune in to Flow Sports or the Windies Cricket YouTube channel for local coverage.
Fixtures:
1st T20I – March 20: Kingstown – 4:00 AM IST
2nd T20I – March 22: Kingstown – 4:00 AM IST
3rd T20I – March 24: Kingstown – 4:00 AM IST
1st ODI – March 27: Basseterre – 11:30 PM IST
2nd ODI – March 29: Basseterre – 11:30 PM IST
3rd ODI – April 2: Basseterre – 11:30 PM IST
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