The race for the semi-finals in Group 1 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 intensifies on Sunday as India take on South Africa at Old Trafford, Manchester. With only two teams progressing from the six-team group, the outcome could prove pivotal in shaping the knockout picture.
India enter the contest unbeaten after convincing victories over Pakistan and tournament debutants the Netherlands. South Africa, meanwhile, recovered from an opening defeat to defending champions Australia by edging Pakistan in a tense encounter to keep their campaign firmly on track.
Recent meetings between the two sides have produced some of the most competitive contests in women’s cricket. While India currently sit in a stronger position in the standings, South Africa know a victory would throw Group 1 wide open and significantly boost their semi-final hopes.
For Harmanpreet Kaur’s side, the challenge is equally important. With Australia still to come later in the tournament, India will be eager to maintain their momentum and avoid any slip-up that could complicate their path to the last four.
Recent history favours South Africa
Although India hold a narrow 11-10 advantage in the overall Women’s T20I head-to-head record, South Africa have enjoyed the upper hand in recent encounters.
The Proteas dominated a five-match home T20I series earlier this year, winning 4-1 with captain Laura Wolvaardt leading the charge. The opener amassed 330 runs in the series, including three half-centuries and a century, underlining her ability to trouble the Indian attack.
India, however, will take confidence from their victory over South Africa in last year’s Women’s ODI World Cup final, a match in which they overcame a Wolvaardt century to lift the title.
Key battle: India’s spin attack vs South Africa’s top order
India’s unbeaten start has been built around the effectiveness of their spin bowlers. Deepti Sharma produced a five-wicket haul against Pakistan before Shree Charani starred with four wickets against the Netherlands, making the duo one of the most dangerous spin combinations in the tournament.
South Africa’s hopes will largely rest on how their top order handles that challenge. Wolvaardt remains the key wicket, while Tazmin Brits and Annerie Dercksen will be expected to provide support. Dercksen’s composed half-century against Pakistan showed she possesses the temperament to anchor an innings under pressure.
India’s batting has also clicked impressively, with Smriti Mandhana arriving in outstanding form after back-to-back half-centuries. Another strong start from Mandhana and Shafali Verma could put South Africa under immediate pressure.
South Africa vs India Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details
Where will the South Africa vs India Women’s T20 World Cup match be played?
The match will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, England.
When will the South Africa vs India Women’s T20 World Cup match take place?
The match will be played on Sunday, June 21, with the first ball scheduled for 7:00 PM IST.
Where to watch the South Africa vs India 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 South Africa vs India Women’s T20 World Cup live streaming in India?
The match will be streamed live on JioHotstar.
South Africa vs India Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Squads
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), 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 Niekerk.