Australia enters the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at The Oval on the back of an absolutely ruthless group stage campaign, marching into the knockout rounds completely undefeated with five straight victories. Their latest triumph was a clinical six-wicket chase against India at Lord’s, a statement win that underscored their unmatched depth and composure under pressure.
On the other hand, the West Indies have had a much more dramatic and turbulent ride to the final four. After navigating tough group fixtures, including a setback against hosts England, they managed to squeeze through to the second spot in Group 2 on net run rate after a tense tiebreaker with Sri Lanka, proving they have the grit to survive when their backs are against the wall.
Squads:
Australia Women’s Cricket Team
Sophie Molineux (C), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
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
Players to watch out:
Ellyse Perry
Across a storied T20I career spanning 179 matches, Ellyse Perry has anchored the Australian batting line-up with 2,480 runs at a steady average of 31.00, including 11 half-centuries. She has carried that formidable reputation right into this tournament, providing consistent firepower for Australia. Perry has piled up 183 runs in 5 matches at an excellent strike rate of 140.76, crossing the fifty-run mark twice with a top score of 71 to lead from the front.
Shemaine Campbelle
Shemaine Campbelle has been a resilient presence for the West Indies, featuring in 159 T20I matches and contributing 1,685 career runs with a personal best of 90 not out. In the current tournament, she has stepped up significantly to anchor her side’s middle order. Campbelle has compiled 154 runs across 5 innings at an average of 38.50, highlighted by an unbeaten 90 that matched her career-best score.
Sophie Molineux
Sophie Molineux has established herself as a highly effective operative with the ball for Australia, claiming 53 wickets in 49 T20I appearances at a tight economy rate of 6.03 and an average of 17.92. She has maintained that ruthless efficiency in the ongoing tournament to choke opposition batters. She has picked up 8 wickets from 5 matches while maintaining a superb average of 12.50 and a best bowling performance of 2/6.
Hayley Matthews
As one of the premier all-rounders in modern cricket, Hayley Matthews boasts an exceptional T20I career record with 3,352 runs, including three centuries, alongside 129 wickets at an economy of 6.16 in 126 matches. She has carried this heavy workload effortlessly into the tournament, particularly making a massive impact with her off-spin. Matthews has been one of the standout bowlers of the campaign, collecting 9 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 13.55 and an impressive economy of 6.10.
Pitch:
The surface at Kennington Oval is traditionally flat, bouncy, and batting-friendly, offering excellent carry that rewards good shot-making and stroke play. Seamers can find early movement and extra zip with the new ball, while spinners typically come into play much later in the match as the pitch wears.
Weather:
The conditions will be cloudy during the day and clear up at night. Temperatures will reach a precise high of 24°C and drop to a low of 16°C, carrying a 20% chance of rain alongside a 10-mph southwest wind.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sophie Molineux, Ashleigh Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Wareham, Hayley Matthews, Shemaine Campbelle, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne
Match Details:
Date – June 30, 2026
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Kennington Oval, London
Broadcast – Star Sports Network & JioHotstar
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