ISLAMABAD: The countdown to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 has begun, as hosts England prepare to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the opening match on June 12 at Edgbaston, with 10 of the 12 participating nations having unveiled their squads for cricket’s biggest stage.
The much-anticipated subcontinental rivalry will reignite on June 14, as Pakistan take on arch-rivals India in a high-voltage Group 1 clash of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. With both teams boasting explosive batting line-ups and lethal bowling attacks, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Pakistan, led by captain Fatima Sana, will be eager to upset the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian side, while millions of fans from both nations will be glued to their screens for what is arguably the most awaited fixture of the group stage.
Tournament format and schedule
The 12 teams have been divided into two groups of six each. The league phase will run until June 28, followed by the semi-finals on June 30 and July 2. The final is scheduled to be played at Lord’s on July 5. The top two sides from each group will qualify for the knockout stage.
White Ferns pacer Lea Tahuhu aims to bow out on a high with another #T20WorldCup title 👌
More ➡️ https://t.co/qqXprEHCvI pic.twitter.com/QgYW265QNh
— ICC (@ICC) May 21, 2026
Group 1 Line-up
Australia
Captain: Sophie Molineux
Vice-captains: Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath
Squad: Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Travelling reserve: Tahlia Wilson
Bangladesh
Captain: Nigar Sultana Joty
Squad: Nahida Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Taj Nehar
India
Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
Squad: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav
Netherlands
Captain: Babette de Leede
Squad: Caroline de Lange, Frederique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Lara Leemhuis, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Rosalie Lawrence, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Sterre Kalis
High in spirits and fully focused 🎯
Inside Pakistan Women’s training camp as preparations continue for Ireland series and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 🏏#BackOurGirls | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/sUrkSnhqCX
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 21, 2026
Pakistan
Captain: Fatima Sana
Squad: Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan
Reserves: Amber Kainat, Momina Riasat, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Umm-e-Hani
South Africa
Captain: Laura Wolvaardt
Squad: Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Nierkerk
Group 2 Line-up
England
Captain: Nat Sciver-Brunt
Squad: Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Ireland
Captain: Gaby Lewis
Squad: Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride
New Zealand
Captain: Amelia Kerr
Squad: Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu
Scotland
Captain: Kathryn Bryce
Squad: Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Gabriella Fontenla, Katherine Fraser, Kirstie Gordon, Ailsa Lister, Maisie Maceira, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul
Sri Lanka: Squad yet to be announced
West Indies: Squad yet to be announced
