Australia vs Pakistan Women's T20 WC 2026: Date, time, squads and where to watch
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Australia face an already-eliminated Pakistan in a Group 1 fixture of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at Headingley, Leeds on Tuesday, 23 June, with the reigning champions looking to further cement their place in the semi-finals. Australia have won all three of their matches to sit atop the group, while Pakistan exit the tournament without a path to the knockouts.
Australia's Campaign So Far
Australia have been commanding throughout the group stage, registering convincing victories over South Africa and Bangladesh, among others, to lead Group 1 by a significant net run rate. The six-time world champions need only continue their current form to secure a top-two finish and a place in the final four.
A key selection dilemma faces team management ahead of this fixture: whether to persist with debutant Lucy Hamilton, who impressed in her first international outing, or recall experienced pacer Megan Schutt to add variety to an already potent bowling attack. Kim Garth has been Australia's standout bowler, claiming five wickets at an economy rate of just under 5, including both South Africa openers. Wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney had been managing a minor back concern but is expected to be available and will strengthen the top order.
Pakistan's Tournament and Key Performers
Pakistan have endured a difficult campaign, suffering defeats against India, South Africa, and Bangladesh. Their only win came against Ireland in their tournament opener. Despite the team's overall struggles, captain Fatima Sana has been a standout individual, scoring a battling 55 against South Africa and leading the wicket-taking charts with 7 wickets at under a 10-run rate, including career-best figures of 3 for 16 against Bangladesh. Pakistan will play for pride in their remaining fixtures.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
History firmly favours Australia in this fixture. The two sides have met four times in Women's T20 World Cups, with Australia winning on every occasion. That pattern, combined with Pakistan's early elimination and Australia's imperious form, makes the defending champions strong favourites heading into Tuesday's clash.
Match Details, Broadcast and Squads
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 23 June at 11:00 PM IST at Headingley Carnegie, Leeds. It will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network and streamed live on JioStar.
Australia Squad: Sophie Molineux (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia Wilson (Travelling Reserve).
Pakistan Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan.
With Australia closing in on a semi-final berth and Pakistan playing out the remainder of their campaign, Tuesday's match at Headingley will be watched closely for individual performances — particularly from Fatima Sana and Kim Garth — that could shape player standings ahead of the knockouts.