ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: England & Australia In Last Warm-Up Game Ahead Of Tournament Opener

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Hosts England closed their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 build-up with a five-run win over India in Cardiff. The warm-up on Wednesday tested both sides. England defended 171, while India fell for 166. The global tournament starts on June 12.

Earlier in the day, Australia beat West Indies by six wickets. Their chase of 132 finished with 30 balls left. These results ended official preparations. England open the tournament on June 12. Australia face South Africa on June 13, with West Indies meeting New Zealand.

Jones, Sciver-Brunt & Gibson Take England To 171

Sent in to bat, England slipped early before rebuilding. Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt added a steady 70-run stand. Jones hit eight fours in her 64. Sciver-Brunt stayed unbeaten on 57 from 45 balls and held the innings together.

Danielle Gibson provided late acceleration for England. She struck 30 from 12 balls. Nineteen runs came in the final over. England closed on 171/6 from 20 overs. For India, Shreyanka Patil led the attack with 2/29. Four other bowlers took one wicket each.

Richa Ghosh Fights Hard As India Fall Short

India’s chase of 172 began poorly. Both openers departed within three overs. The middle order failed to convert starts. Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh then counter-attacked. She made a gritty 68 off 36 balls and kept India close to the target.

The contest stayed tense into the final over. Ghosh was stumped off Linsey Smith, who finished with 3/42. India were bowled out for 166 in 19.5 overs. England gained a narrow win and useful pressure practice before their home opener.

Australia Bowlers Route Windies To 131

At Sophia Gardens, West Indies chose to bat first. They managed 131 after losing regular wickets. Deandra Dottin top-scored with a fighting 46. Partnerships never fully developed against a tight Australian attack that used several bowling options effectively.

Young pacer Lucy Hamilton impressed for Australia with figures of 2/19. Ash Gardner backed up with 2/17. Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Ellyse Perry, Kim Garth and Nicola Carey each chipped in. Their spells restricted West Indies through the middle overs.

Australia’s reply was positive from the start. Openers Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll attacked the new ball. Mooney made 34 from 18 deliveries. Voll then dominated the scoring. She compiled 77 from 48 balls, with ten fours and two sixes.

West Indies earned late rewards through Qiana Joseph, Karishma Ramharack and Hayley Matthews. Each took a wicket as Australia lost four. The target was still reached at 132/4 with five overs unused. Australia and West Indies now shift focus to group matches on June 13.