Ellyse Perry's 64 powers Australia to 5-wicket warm-up win over England
Synopsis
Ellyse Perry reminded the cricketing world exactly why she remains elite — a measured 64 in Cardiff steered Australia to a five-wicket warm-up win over hosts England with 10 balls to spare. Across the ground, Radha Yadav's three-wicket burst and Bharti Fulmali's unbeaten 56 powered India past West Indies by 26 runs. Both sides arrive at the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in ominous form.
Key Takeaways
Ellyse Perry scored 64 to lead Australia to a five-wicket warm-up win over England in Cardiff on 9 June .
Australia chased down 158 in 18.2 overs , with 10 balls to spare; Beth Mooney contributed 43 off 26 balls .
Alice Capsey (45) , Freya Kemp (41) , and Danielle Gibson (27*) helped England post 157 for 6 .
India beat West Indies by 26 runs in the earlier warm-up; Bharti Fulmali top-scored with 56 not out .
Radha Yadav took 3 wickets in the 14th over ; Shreyanka Patil finished with 4 for 36 .
Australia open against South Africa on Saturday; India face Pakistan on Sunday.
Ellyse Perry delivered a vintage 64 to steer Australia to a commanding five-wicket warm-up victory over ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 hosts England in Cardiff on 9 June. The six-time champions chased down 158 with 10 balls to spare, sending a clear statement of intent ahead of their tournament opener against South Africa on Saturday.
England's innings: Capsey and Kemp rescue the hosts
After Australia elected to bowl, England's top order crumbled early. The returning Nat Sciver-Brunt managed just 3 runs before departing, leaving England wobbling at 19 for 3 in the fifth over. Alice Capsey and Heather Knight steadied the innings, with Capsey contributing a bright 45 off 36 balls before falling lbw to Megan Schutt.
Freya Kemp chipped in with 41 and Danielle Gibson remained unbeaten on 27 to help England post a competitive 157 for 6 in 20 overs. Alana King and Schutt were the pick of the Australian bowlers, claiming 2 for 10 and 2 for 20 respectively.
Australia's chase: Perry at her imperious best
Beth Mooney gave Australia a brisk start with 43 off 26 balls, but it was Perry who anchored the run chase with authority. The veteran all-rounder moved Australia above the required run-rate with ease before departing for 64, by which point the result was beyond doubt. Australia crossed the line in 18.2 overs, winning by five wickets. Lauren Bell took 2 for 22 for England but could not arrest the Australian momentum.
India beat West Indies by 26 runs in the day's first warm-up
Earlier in Cardiff, India opened their World Cup preparations with a 26-run victory over the West Indies. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a flying start after being put in to bat, with Mandhana making 39 off 23 balls inside the powerplay and Verma following for 29 at a strike rate of 223.07.
India were reduced to 85 for 3 when Jemimah Rodrigues became the first of Afy Fletcher's four wickets. The middle order wobbled, but Bharti Fulmali top-scored with a composed 56 not out off 40 balls to set West Indies a target of 180.
Without captain Hayley Matthews, who was absent from the Cardiff squad, West Indies made a promising start. Shemaine Campbelle retired on 25 and Deandra Dottin fell one run short of a half-century. The middle order then lost its way, and Radha Yadav's three wickets in the 14th over effectively ended the contest. Shreyanka Patil returned figures of 4 for 36 as West Indies were bowled out 26 runs short of their target.
Tournament context and what's next
India are bidding to add the Women's T20 World Cup to their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup title won the previous year, and their warm-up display suggests they are well-placed for Sunday's opening fixture against Pakistan. Australia, meanwhile, carry the weight of six titles into their Saturday clash with South Africa, and Perry's form will be a source of considerable comfort for the defending champions.
Point of View
And their most experienced batter still setting the tempo. For England, the early collapse against a near-full-strength Australian attack raises genuine questions about their top-order fragility on home soil, precisely when the tournament pressure is highest. India's win over West Indies was efficient rather than spectacular, but Fulmali's composure under pressure and Yadav's ability to break partnerships at will are the kind of assets that win knockout games — not just warm-ups.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the Australia vs England Women's T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match?
Australia beat England by five wickets in Cardiff on 9 June, chasing down 158 in 18.2 overs with 10 balls to spare. Ellyse Perry's 64 was the cornerstone of the chase.
How did Ellyse Perry perform in the warm-up against England?
Perry scored 64 and was instrumental in pushing Australia above the required run-rate before departing just before the winning runs were scored. Her innings confirmed she remains a match-winner at the highest level.
What was the result of the India vs West Indies Women's T20 warm-up in Cardiff?
India won by 26 runs, setting West Indies a target of 180. Bharti Fulmali top-scored with 56 not out, while Radha Yadav took three wickets in the 14th over and Shreyanka Patil claimed 4 for 36.
Who are Australia and India playing in their Women's T20 World Cup 2026 openers?
Australia face South Africa on Saturday, while India open against Pakistan on Sunday. Both sides head into their respective openers on the back of warm-up victories.
Why was Hayley Matthews absent from the West Indies warm-up squad?
According to reports, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews was not part of the squad in Cardiff for the warm-up fixture. Her absence was noted as a factor in West Indies' batting inconsistency against India.
