The second matchday of the Women's T20 World Cup delivers a triple header, headlined by Australia versus South Africa and New Zealand versus West Indies.
Match 1: Ireland Women vs Scotland Women
An all-European derby kicks off Day 2 at Old Trafford. Ireland, captained by Gaby Lewis, bring superior top-flight experience and have won their last three head-to-head meetings. Scotland, led by Kathryn Bryce and fresh from a home tri-series victory, enter as determined underdogs well-versed in English conditions. Arlene Kelly is expected to exploit the seam-friendly surface, making early wickets crucial.
Pitch Report
Conditions at Old Trafford favor bowlers in the opening overs. Captains generally prefer to bowl first as batting becomes easier later, with dew potentially influencing the chase.
Predicted Playing XI
Ireland Women: Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter, Orla Prendergast, Alice Tector, Leah Paul, Georgina Dempsey, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Ava Canning
Scotland Women: Kathryn Bryce (c), Sarah Bryce (wk), Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Pippa Sproul, Ailsa Lister, Chloe Abel, Rachel Slater, Abtaha Maqsood, Kirstie Gordon
Toss Timing
The toss for the Group A match takes place at 10:00 AM local time (2:30 PM IST), with play starting at 10:30 AM local time (3:00 PM IST).
Match 2: Australia Women vs South Africa Women
This blockbuster clash revisits the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup final. Australia, now under new captain Sophie Molineux, face Laura Wolvaardt's Proteas. Australia arrive as favorites after a 3-0 whitewash of West Indies, while South Africa ride momentum from a 4-1 T20I series win over India. Explosive batting and fast bowlers relishing Old Trafford conditions make this Group 1 opener pivotal.
Pitch Report
Old Trafford offers seam assistance early under overcast skies, with spinners gaining grip later. Captains winning the toss are expected to bowl first; batting conditions improve, with 140–150 being a competitive first-innings target.
Predicted Playing XI
Australia Women: Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath, Ash Gardner, Sophie Molineux (c), Alana King/Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutt, Kim Garth
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon/Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Kayla Reyneke, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, Shabnim Ismail
Toss Timing
The toss occurs at 2:00 PM local time (6:30 PM IST), with play at 2:30 PM local time (7:00 PM IST).
Match 3: West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women
The night fixture pits reigning champions New Zealand, led by all-rounder Amelia Kerr, against West Indies powered by captain Hayley Matthews. New Zealand have dominated recent meetings, winning the last five. West Indies, however, are buoyed by a tri-series win in Ireland and possess match-winners who can change the game instantly.
Pitch Report
The Rose Bowl surface offers good bounce and carry, aiding stroke-makers. Pace bowlers find assistance with the new ball under cloudy skies. Teams batting first have won four of the last five Women's T20 matches here.
Predicted Playing XI
West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack
New Zealand Women: Suzie Bates, Izzy Gaze (wk), Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing/Nensi Patel, Lea Tahuhu
Toss Timing
The toss takes place at 6:00 PM local time (10:30 PM IST), with play at 6:30 PM local time (11:00 PM IST).
Weather Update
In Manchester, the first two matches face slight rain chances with partly cloudy skies. The Southampton match has no rain expected, with mostly sunny weather and temperatures around 14.5°C.
Live Streaming Details
All three Day 2 matches of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 will be broadcast live on Star Sports (TV) and streamed on JioHotstar.
