Australia face Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup as New Zealand battle Scotland in Bristol

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 continues on Tuesday with three significant group matches across both divisions. In Bristol, New Zealand face Scotland in the opening encounter at 10:30am local time, in a crucial fixture for the defending champions. Both teams enter with two points from three matches, but New Zealand's position is more precarious—currently third in their group behind England and West Indies, another loss would effectively end their semi-final hopes. Scotland have struggled since winning their opener, losing their last two games. This represents the first international meeting between the sides.

The second match of the day sees Ireland taking on Sri Lanka at 1:30pm GMT. Ireland remain winless and bottom of Group 2, while Sri Lanka are placed fifth. Despite Sri Lanka's recent heavy defeat to West Indies, they enter as favourites given their 4-1 advantage in previous meetings. However, Ireland's captain Gaby Lewis scored a century in their most recent encounter in 2024 to secure a memorable victory, suggesting the Irish are capable of an upset.

The headline fixture sees high-flying Australia face already-eliminated Pakistan at 5:30pm GMT. Australia have won all three of their matches so far and maintain a dominant 14-2 record in T20 International head-to-heads against Pakistan, who are yet to register a victory in the tournament. For Australia, concerns centre on Beth Mooney's fitness after retiring hurt against Netherlands, though the team described it as precautionary. Phoebe Litchfield remains unavailable due to a quad injury.

New Zealand have made one change to their lineup, bringing in Suzie Bates for the first time in the tournament to cover for Sophie Devine's illness. Melie Kerr captains the probable XI. Scotland were forced into alterations following their loss to England, with Ailsa Lister and Rachel Slater sidelined by injuries, with Pippa Sproul and Hannah Rainey drafted in as replacements. Kathryn Bryce captains the Scottish side.

Sri Lanka are expected to retain their side unchanged, with Imesha Dulani, who replaced Hasini Perera, likely keeping her place in the batting order. Ireland made one change from their previous match, bringing in Lara McBride for Alana Dalzell after the latter's poor tournament start. Australia recalled Lucy Hamilton, who made her T20 World Cup debut against Netherlands. Pakistan made two changes against Bangladesh, recalling left-arm seamer Tasmia Rubab and middle-order batter Saira Jabeen.