The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup saw significant developments on the final day of the group stage, with Australia and South Africa confirming their spots in the semifinals. This came after a day of intense competition that resulted in the elimination of India and Bangladesh from the tournament.
Australia maintained an undefeated record in Group 1, securing a perfect 10 points from all five of their matches. Their qualification was solidified by a record-breaking chase against India at Lord’s. South Africa joined them from Group 1, advancing due to a superior Net Run Rate (NRR) after finishing level on points with India.
Dramatic Group Stage Conclusion
The match between Australia and India was effectively a quarter-final for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side, who needed a victory to progress. India, batting first, posted a challenging total of 170/4 in their 20 overs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed an unbeaten 70 runs, supported by Jemimah Rodrigues’ 47. This total marked India’s highest score against Australia in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
However, Australia’s batting lineup proved formidable. Despite being under pressure at 68/3, a 100-run partnership between Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner shifted the momentum. Perry scored 56 before her dismissal, while Gardner remained unbeaten on 53, guiding Australia to chase down the target in just 19 overs, finishing at 172/4. This secured a 6-wicket victory and set a new record for the highest successful run chase in the tournament’s history.
Earlier in the day, South Africa had kept their semifinal hopes alive by defeating Bangladesh by 4 wickets. Their qualification ultimately depended on the outcome of the Australia-India match. With Australia’s win, South Africa advanced to the final four.
Bangladesh concluded their World Cup campaign with a single victory from their five group matches, finishing with 2 points and exiting the tournament.
Semifinal Matchups Set
From Group 2, hosts England also demonstrated dominance, winning all five of their matches to top their group with 10 points. The West Indies secured the second semifinal spot from Group 2. Sri Lanka, despite finishing level on points with the West Indies, was eliminated due to an inferior NRR.
The semifinal schedule is now confirmed. The first semifinal will feature Australia against the West Indies on June 30. The second semifinal will see England take on South Africa on July 2. Both matches are scheduled to be played at The Oval in London. The winners of these matches will then compete in the final at Lord’s on July 5.
Australia will have a quick turnaround, with their semifinal against the West Indies taking place less than 48 hours after their victory over India. The team will relocate closer to the Thames for their training session at The Oval. Australia and the West Indies are familiar opponents, having met in several white-ball matches recently, including a pre-tournament warm-up game. Australia won all seven of those encounters.
Despite Australia’s strong form, Ellyse Perry emphasized that there are no clear favorites in knockout games, especially in semifinals. She highlighted the experience and talent within the West Indies squad, including players like Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, and Stafanie Taylor, indicating that Australia will not underestimate their opponents. The final answer to who will lift the trophy will be determined on July 5 at Lord’s.
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Source: pressenza.com
