CARDIFF - Australia and India opened their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 preparations with impressive victories on Monday. The six-time champions produced a clinical all-round display to defeat England by five wickets, while India overcame West Indies by 26 runs in Cardiff.
Australia's Dominant Display
Australia's convincing win over arch-rivals England served as one of the standout performances of the warm-up fixtures, underlining their credentials as one of the favourites for the tournament. After electing to bowl, Australia struck early blows to leave England struggling at 19-3 inside five overs.
Alice Capsey and Heather Knight led the recovery with a composed 54-run partnership, briefly stabilising the innings. Knight contributed 25 from 22 balls before leg-spinner Alana King broke the stand, while Megan Schutt removed the dangerous Capsey for 45 to swing momentum back in Australia's favour.
England fought back through Freya Kemp, whose aggressive 41 off 27 balls injected late momentum into the innings. Danielle Gibson added a brisk 27 from just 16 deliveries as the hosts posted a competitive 157-6 from their 20 overs.
Perry's Match-Winning Knock
Australia's response was positive from the outset. Openers Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll attacked the England bowlers during the powerplay, ensuring the chase remained firmly on course. Although both openers departed after useful contributions, Australia never lost control thanks to the experience and class of Ellyse Perry.
The veteran all-rounder produced a commanding innings, mixing power with precision as she punished loose deliveries all around the ground. Perry brought up a fluent half-century before eventually falling for 64, having virtually sealed the contest for her side. Australia reached the target with ten balls to spare, sending an early warning to their World Cup rivals.
India's Comfortable Victory
Earlier, India also made a strong statement with a comfortable victory over West Indies. Asked to bat first, India amassed 179-8 after captain Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a rapid start. Mandhana struck 39 from 23 balls, while Bharti Fulmalli anchored the innings with an unbeaten 56 off 40 deliveries. Yastika Bhatia chipped in with 36 as India recovered strongly after a middle-order wobble.
West Indies leg-spinner Afy Fletcher was the standout bowler with figures of 4-23. In reply, the Caribbean side failed to maintain the required scoring rate despite Deandra Dottin's fighting 49. India's spin attack proved decisive, with Shreyanka Patil claiming 4-36 and Radha Yadav taking 3-25 to restrict West Indies to 153-8.
