Australia’s young fast bowler Lucy Hamilton hopes she has done enough to keep her place in the team for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final against the West Indies at The Oval, London, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The 20-year-old left-arm pacer has enjoyed a rapid rise in international cricket. After being picked in Australia’s Women’s T20 World Cup squad, Hamilton has made the most of every chance. She has taken the new ball in Australia’s last three matches and bowled with great control in important games, helping her team finish the group stage unbeaten and reach the semi-finals.
Speaking at The Oval on Monday, June 29, 2026, Hamilton said she has loved playing in such a big tournament. “It’s been really fun,” Hamilton told cricket.com.au at The Oval on Monday. “(It’s) really exciting to run out there and take the first over.”
The Queensland bowler has looked calm while sharing the field with some of the biggest names in women’s cricket. Even on the biggest stage, she has shown no signs of being nervous or feeling the pressure.
Her toughest challenge so far came against India at Lord’s on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Australia faced a strong Indian batting line-up in front of a loud crowd, but Hamilton once again impressed. She kept her economy rate below six runs per over for the third straight match, making it difficult for India’s batters to score freely.
Hamilton said the match against India gave her plenty of confidence before the knockout stage. “Personally, I took heaps of confidence (out of the India game),” she continued.
“Everyone feels nervous, and you always have those moments, but running out, singing the anthem in front of so many people (at Lord’s) and knowing how much it means to everyone, you always have those couple of nerves, but I think once you get that first over under underway you settle into the game.”
Australia now face a confident West Indies side. Captain Hayley Matthews has already said her team will play without fear because they have nothing to lose.
Hamilton believes her recent performances have put her in a good position ahead of another must-win match.
“Knowing that the team did really well … the semi-finals are an even bigger occasion, so knowing that I’ve got that under my belt, and with a massive crowd and against a really strong Indian team, gives me lots of confidence,” she added.
“It’s a fast turnaround, but I think it’s really good in T20 cricket to have that momentum, we’re all ready to go and can’t wait. The quality of cricket that we’ve been playing recently … you want that leading into a semi.”
If Hamilton is selected, it will be her first match at The Oval. She visited the ground before the game to understand the conditions and prepare herself.
“I haven’t played at The Oval before … I’m glad I came down (on match eve) just to have a look at the facilities and get used to it and see how fast the outfield is. The conditions can change a lot, so we just have to adapt to them as fast as we can and play our style of cricket.
“I think (West Indies) have nothing to lose in the semi, so they’ll come out hard and they’re a great opposition.”
Australia and West Indies will meet in the first semi-final on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with the winners reaching the Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
(Quotes sourced from cricket.com.au)
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