The final round of warm-up matches before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 delivered plenty of excitement as hosts England defeated India by five runs in a nail-biting contest, while Australia comfortably overcame West Indies in Cardiff on Wednesday.
The matches provided teams with a final opportunity to fine-tune their preparations before the tournament begins on June 12.
Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt Guide England to Competitive Total
After India won the toss and chose to bowl under cloudy conditions, England recovered from an early setback through a vital partnership between Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt.
The pair added 70 runs for the second wicket and gave stability to England’s innings. Jones played an impressive knock of 64, striking eight boundaries during her stay at the crease.
Meanwhile, Sciver-Brunt anchored the innings brilliantly with an unbeaten 57 from 45 deliveries. Her composed innings ensured England maintained momentum throughout the middle overs.
Although rain briefly interrupted play in the 15th over, England finished strongly thanks to a late assault from Danielle Gibson. The all-rounder smashed 30 runs from just 12 balls, helping England post 171/6 in 20 overs.
Indian Bowlers Deliver Decent Performance
India’s bowlers produced several encouraging performances despite the defeat.
Shreyanka Patil followed her impressive outing against West Indies with figures of 2/29. Meanwhile, Shafali Verma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sree Charani and Radha Yadav picked up one wicket each.
Verma’s dismissal of Jones proved particularly important, as she removed the England opener with a delivery that stayed low and crashed into the stumps.
Richa Ghosh Fights Lone Battle for India
India’s chase got off to the worst possible start as both openers were dismissed inside the first three overs.
Smriti Mandhana departed after a stunning catch by Tilly Corteen-Coleman, while Shafali Verma was bowled by Issy Wong.
Although several middle-order batters made starts, none converted them into substantial scores. As wickets continued to fall, India found themselves struggling at 63/4 after losing captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
At that stage, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh launched a remarkable counterattack.
Ghosh played one of the standout innings of the warm-up campaign, scoring 68 from just 36 balls. She struck powerful boundaries and sixes while guiding India closer to the target.
England Hold Nerve in Final Over
India entered the final over needing 17 runs. Ghosh immediately increased the pressure with aggressive stroke play and briefly raised hopes of a dramatic victory.
However, England eventually regained control.
Attempting another big hit against Linsey Smith, Ghosh advanced down the pitch but missed the ball. The wicketkeeper completed the stumping, ending India’s hopes.
England then wrapped up the innings on the very next delivery as India were bowled out for 166 in 19.5 overs.
Smith starred with the ball for England, finishing with figures of 3/42. Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean and Danielle Gibson claimed two wickets each.
Australia Dominate West Indies in Final Warm-Up
Earlier in Cardiff, Australia delivered another commanding performance with a six-wicket victory over West Indies.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, West Indies struggled to build meaningful partnerships against a disciplined Australian bowling attack.
Veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin top-scored with 46 from 38 balls, hitting six boundaries during a fighting innings.
Captain Hayley Matthews and Jahzara Claxton contributed 15 runs each. Nevertheless, regular wickets prevented West Indies from posting a challenging total.
The Caribbean side finished with 131 runs.
Australian Bowlers Shine
Australia’s bowlers controlled proceedings from the start.
Young fast bowler Lucy Hamilton impressed with figures of 2/19, while star all-rounder Ash Gardner picked up 2/17.
Additional wickets from Georgia Wareham, Sophie Molineux, Ellyse Perry, Kim Garth and Nicola Carey ensured West Indies never gained momentum.
Georgia Voll Stars in Comfortable Chase
Australia’s reply was led by an explosive innings from opener Georgia Voll.
Alongside Beth Mooney, Voll provided a rapid start that immediately put Australia in control.
Mooney scored 34 from just 18 deliveries before being dismissed. However, Voll continued her attacking approach and struck a superb 77 from 48 balls, including ten boundaries and two sixes.
Her innings effectively sealed the contest and ensured Australia stayed comfortably ahead of the required run rate.
Although West Indies managed a few late wickets through Qiana Joseph, Karishma Ramharack and Hayley Matthews, Australia reached 132/4 in only 15 overs with five overs remaining.
Teams Ready for World Cup Action
The warm-up fixtures have now concluded, and attention shifts to the start of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
England will begin the tournament against Sri Lanka on June 12 in the opening match.
India will launch their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14.
Australia, aiming for a record-extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title, will face South Africa on June 13. Meanwhile, West Indies will begin their tournament against defending champions New Zealand on the same day.