India face Australia in a must-win ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash at Lord’s. Check preview, head-to-head, probable XIs, match time and live streaming details.
India's Radha Yadav with Deepti sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur (PC: BCCI/X)
The final round of Group A action at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 delivers a blockbuster as India take on defending champions Australia at Lord’s on Sunday. While Australia have already stamped their authority on the tournament, India enters the contest with their semi-final hopes hanging in the balance, making this one of the biggest matches of the group stage.
Australia has once again looked every bit the team to beat. Four wins from four matches have virtually sealed their place in the last four, with their all-round consistency under stand-in captain Sophie Molineux reinforcing why they remain favourites to defend the title.
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For India, the equation is simple: win and a semi-final berth is almost assured. A defeat, however, would leave Harmanpreet Kaur’s side relying on other results, with Bangladesh needing to upset South Africa to keep India’s campaign alive.
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The stakes could hardly be higher, but India will draw confidence from recent successes against Australia. Earlier this year, the Women in Blue scripted a historic 2-1 T20I series victory on Australian soil, while they also eliminated the Australians in last year’s Women’s ODI World Cup, proving the gap between the two sides is narrower than ever.
India eye another statement win
Australia may hold the psychological edge in ICC tournaments, but India have developed into one of the few sides capable of challenging them consistently. Sunday’s clash offers another opportunity to prove they can deliver on the biggest stage.
India’s batting has revolved around Smriti Mandhana, whose 167 runs have provided solidity at the top, while the emergence of left-arm spinner Shree Charani as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker has strengthened India’s bowling attack.
Australia, meanwhile, continues to thrive through depth rather than dependence on individuals. Ellyse Perry has led the scoring charts for her side, Sophie Molineux has marshalled the bowling attack impressively, and experienced campaigners Ash Gardner, Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath provide balance across departments.
Although Australia has won five of the six previous Women’s T20 World Cup meetings between the teams, including the 2020 final and the 2023 semi-final, India will believe recent performances have shown they can match the world champions in all facets of the game.
Key battle: India’s top order vs Australia’s experienced attack
India’s hopes could hinge on the performances of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma during the powerplay. A strong opening stand would allow Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh the platform to attack during the middle overs.
Australia’s experienced bowling unit, led by Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt and Ash Gardner, will aim to strike early and expose India’s middle order. The battle between India’s aggressive batting approach and Australia’s disciplined attack could ultimately decide who advances with momentum into the knockout stage.
Where will the India vs Australia Women’s T20 World Cup match be played?
The match will be played at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.
When will the India vs Australia Women’s T20 World Cup match take place?
The match will be played on Sunday, June 28, with the first ball scheduled for 7:00 PM IST.
Where to watch the India vs Australia Women’s T20 World Cup match live on TV?
The match will be broadcast live in India on the Star Sports Network.
Where to watch the India vs Australia Women’s T20 World Cup live streaming in India?
The match will be streamed live on JioStar.
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandni Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav.
Australia: Sophie Molineux (c), Nicola Carey, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
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