CWG 2026: Australia stun Canada in overtime 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball thriller
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Georgia Munro-Cook delivered a nerves-of-steel finish to hand Australia a 12-10 overtime victory over defending champions Canada in the Women's 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball at Glasgow 2026 on 28 July, producing one of the standout moments of the Commonwealth Games so far. The win settled the runners-up spot in Pool A in dramatic fashion.
How the Drama Unfolded
Australia appeared in control at 10-7 with the clock winding down, only for Canada's Elodie Tessier to nail a last-gasp basket and level the contest just before the buzzer, forcing overtime. Munro-Cook, who had already contributed six of Australia's 10 points in regulation, held her nerve to score both extra points needed and seal the result.
'That was one of the most exciting games I've ever played in,' the 32-year-old said. 'They just kept coming back and coming back, but we kept extending our lead, which was incredible. Canada's one of the best teams here, and we really showed what we could do today. We will take so much confidence from that. I think we can compete with anyone here and we really showed that.'
Pool A Standings and England's Dominance
The result confirmed the final Pool A standings: England, who had beaten both Australia and Canada in the opening two rounds, wrapped up top spot with a third consecutive win — defeating South Africa — earning a direct passage into the semifinals. Australia and Canada were competing to join them as runners-up, a contest that could not have been closer. Notably, the two sides were the gold and silver medallists from Birmingham 2022, making the rematch a de facto championship preview.
Men's 3x3: Australia Beat Canada Again, England Cruise
A near-identical script played out in the Men's 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball, where defending champions Australia overpowered Canada — the 2022 silver medallists — by a commanding 20-12 scoreline to also claim the runners-up berth in Pool A. England sealed top spot with a clinical 21-0 demolition of Kenya.
Australia's Eithen Leard soaked in the crowd support: 'There were some people out there who weren't even Aussies cheering us on. Everyone just loves getting around the Aussies — Aussie, Aussie, Aussie. It's awesome to have our family and friends here. I said to one of the boys at breakfast that it's only three more days and then it's over, so I was pretty upset about that. But we're going to make the most of the next three days and see how far we can go.'
Other Pool Results: England and New Zealand Keep Winning
In Pool B of the Men's competition, defending champions England were pushed to the wire by a previously unbeaten Malaysia side before grinding out a 21-19 victory — their fourth straight win of the tournament. On the women's side, New Zealand also recorded a fourth successive win, defeating hosts Scotland 21-12.
'We needed that,' New Zealand's Ella Fotu said. 'They're a good team, it was a good crowd, and we've got to keep on our toes and get better every game. We're going for number one. Why are we here if not to be number one?'
With the pool stages drawing to a close, the semifinal line-up is taking shape — and if the overtime drama of 28 July is any indication, the knockout rounds at Glasgow 2026 are set to deliver.