England and Australia Record Warm-Up Victories Ahead of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign]
Hosts England concluded their preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a five-run triumph over India in Cardiff on Wednesday, while Australia secured a convincing six-wicket victory against West Indies earlier in the day. Both results provided valuable practice ahead of the tournament’s opening matches beginning June 12.
Jones, Sciver-Brunt & Gibson Lead England’s Competitive Performance
Chasing 172, England delivered a strong batting display anchored by a crucial 70-run partnership between Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Jones carved out a solid 64, striking eight fours, while Sciver-Brunt remained unbeaten on a crisp 57 off 45 balls to stabilize the innings. Danielle Gibson provided a swift finish, hammering 30 runs from just 12 balls, including 19 in the final over, to propel England to 171/6 in their full quota of 20 overs.
India’s bowling attack was led by Shreyanka Patil’s disciplined 2/29, with four additional bowlers sharing the remaining wickets. Despite a valiant effort from Richa Ghosh, who anchored the chase with an enterprising 68 off 36 balls, India fell short at 166 in 19.5 overs.
Australia’s Top-Order Firepower Downs Windies
In Birmingham, Australia’s batting depth proved too much for West Indies, who managed only 131 in response to being bowled out for 131. Deandra Dottin offered resistance with a hard-fought 46, but a series of tight bowling performances from Lucy Hamilton (2/19) and Ash Gardner (2/17) ensured West Indies couldn’t build meaningful partnerships.
Chasing down the modest target, Beth Mooney set the tone with a brisk 34 off 18 balls, paving the way for Georgia Voll’s authoritative 77 from 48 deliveries, featuring ten fours and two sixes. Despite losing four wickets in the latter stages, Australia reached 132/4 with five overs to spare, demonstrating their tournament credentials ahead of facing South Africa on June 13.
