Australia and India dominate Women's T20 World Cup with commanding victories

Australia and India continued their dominance at the Women's T20 World Cup with emphatic victories over Bangladesh and the Netherlands respectively at Headingley on June 17, 2026.

Australia overpowered Bangladesh in the first match, with the hosts restricted to 77-8 after fast bowler Kim Garth removed both opening batters to leave Bangladesh struggling at 27-5. Sophie Molineux and Ellyse Perry each took two wickets as Bangladesh failed to recover. Australia chased down the target in just 9.3 overs, losing only one wicket, with Georgia Voll scoring an unbeaten 45 off 32 balls including a commanding six. The victory extended Australia's strong form after defeating 2024 runners-up South Africa in their opening match.

In the second match, India demonstrated their strength as the reigning 50-over world champions with a crushing 95-run victory over the Netherlands. India posted 209-5, with Smriti Mandhana scoring 74 from 47 balls and sharing a 115-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma, who contributed 55. Richa Ghosh accelerated the innings with a quick 20 from eight balls. The Netherlands were overwhelmed, managing only 114 in 17.3 overs, with captain Babette de Leede's 28 being the highest individual score. India's left-arm spinner Sree Charani was outstanding with figures of 4-19, while part-time spinner Verma took 3-20.

Australia, who are the six-time World Cup winners, face upcoming matches against the Netherlands at Southampton on Saturday and Pakistan at Headingley on Tuesday. Opening batter Phoebe Litchfield is expected to miss both matches through injury but may return for Australia's final group game against India on June 28. All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, who missed the Bangladesh match with an ankle sprain, has no fixed return date.

India's campaign was tempered by an injury concern when spinner Shreyanka Patil was stretchered off the field after twisting her ankle while fielding, though the severity of the injury remained unclear. Despite the setback, India maintained their unbeaten record and positioning as one of the tournament favourites alongside Australia.