Women's T20 WC 2026: New Zealand vs West Indies — date, time, squads
Synopsis
Defending champions New Zealand face a West Indies side stung by a 3-0 series loss to England in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 opener at Southampton on 13 June. With 18 wins from 25 head-to-head T20s, the White Ferns start as clear favourites — but the Caribbean's match-winners make this far from a formality.
Key Takeaways
New Zealand face West Indies in ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Match 4 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton on 13 June 2026 .
Match starts at 11:00 PM IST ; live on Star Sports and streaming on JioHotstar .
New Zealand are the defending champions , having won their maiden title in the UAE in 2024 under Melie Kerr .
West Indies, led by Hayley Matthews , arrive after a 3-0 T20I series defeat to England in 2026.
Head-to-head record: New Zealand lead 18-5 from 25 women's T20Is between the two sides.
Defending champions New Zealand open their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against West Indies in the tournament's fourth match at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, on Saturday, 13 June. Kick-off is scheduled for 11:00 PM IST, making it a late-night fixture for Indian viewers.
White Ferns Arrive as Title Holders
New Zealand claimed their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title in the UAE in 2024, ending the tournament as first-time champions. Under the captaincy of star all-rounder Melie Kerr, the White Ferns enter Group 2 as one of the favourites and will be eager to signal their intent from the first ball. A strong opening result could set the tone for a deep run in the defence of their crown.
West Indies Seek Redemption
West Indies, led by Hayley Matthews, arrive at the tournament on the back of a 3-0 T20I series defeat to England earlier in 2026 — a result that raised questions about their form heading into the global event. The Caribbean side, however, possess proven match-winners across batting and bowling, and an upset over the defending champions on opening day would instantly reset the narrative around their campaign.
Head-to-Head: New Zealand Hold the Edge
History favours the White Ferns in this fixture. Of the 25 women's T20 internationals played between these two sides, New Zealand have won 18 and West Indies five, with the remaining matches ending in ties or without a result. That record, however, counts for little in a knockout-format tournament where a single bad session can end a side's hopes.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports channels in India, with JioHotstar offering live streaming for digital viewers. The 11:00 PM IST start time on Saturday night means fans in India can catch the full game without missing work the following morning.
Full Squads
West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Shawnisha Hector.
New Zealand: Melie Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu.
With both sides desperate for a winning start, the Rose Bowl clash promises to be one of the more compelling early-round contests of the tournament.
Point of View
But the White Ferns' real test will come against tougher Group 2 opposition. West Indies' heavy defeat to England is a concern, yet Matthews' side has historically punched above its weight at ICC events. The more interesting subplot is whether Melie Kerr — now carrying the dual burden of captaincy and being the team's primary all-round threat — can sustain the form that made New Zealand champions in 2024. A slow start by either side here could trigger a net-run-rate crisis that haunts them in the later rounds.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the New Zealand vs West Indies Women's T20 World Cup 2026 match?
The match is scheduled for Saturday, 13 June 2026, at The Rose Bowl in Southampton, with play beginning at 11:00 PM IST. It is the fourth match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 tournament.
Where can I watch the WI vs NZ Women's T20 World Cup 2026 match live?
The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports channels in India. JioHotstar will provide live streaming for digital viewers.
Who is captaining New Zealand and West Indies in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026?
Melie Kerr captains New Zealand, while Hayley Matthews leads West Indies. Both are all-rounders and key players for their respective sides.
What is the head-to-head record between New Zealand and West Indies in women's T20Is?
New Zealand lead the head-to-head record convincingly, having won 18 of the 25 women's T20 internationals played between the two teams. West Indies have won five, with the remaining matches ending in ties or without a result.
How did West Indies perform before the Women's T20 World Cup 2026?
West Indies suffered a 3-0 T20I series defeat to England earlier in 2026, which raised concerns about their form ahead of the tournament. They will be looking to bounce back with a strong opening performance against New Zealand.
