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Jun 23, 20261
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Australia face Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup as New Zealand battle Scotland in Bristol
Three group matches headline Tuesday's ICC Women's T20 World Cup action: defending champions New Zealand face Scotland in Bristol in a must-win encounter, Ireland meet Sri Lanka, and unbeaten Australia take on eliminated Pakistan. Multiple teams report injury concerns and forced lineup changes ahead of the matches.
Quick Facts
Who
New Zealand Women
What
ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 group matches
When
Tuesday 2026
Where
Bristol
- ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 group matches
- New Zealand vs Scotland first international meeting
- Ireland vs Sri Lanka rematch
- Australia vs Pakistan elimination match
- Sophie Devine missed match due to illness
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.
Why This Matters
Tuesday's matches are pivotal for tournament progression. New Zealand's semi-final hopes hang in the balance against Scotland in what is their first-ever international meeting; a loss effectively ends their chances. Australia's dominance continues against an already-eliminated Pakistan, while Ireland's winless campaign offers a potential breakthrough against Sri Lanka. Multiple injury updates and lineup changes will directly impact match outcomes and team strategies moving forward.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireNew Zealand vs Scotland match begins in Bristol
Jun 23, 2026
WireIreland vs Sri Lanka match begins
Jun 23, 2026
WireAustralia vs Pakistan match begins