England, Ireland and Sri Lanka target top spots in 2026 Women's T20 World Cup Group 2

England face home pressure to lift the trophy while Ireland and Sri Lanka seek historic progress in Group 2 of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup.

Hosts England under intense scrutiny England arrives at the tournament as tournament hosts and defending champions, but expectations are amplified by recent underperformance at global events despite abundant talent and resources. A 193-day break between the 50-over World Cup and the start of their recent series against New Zealand and India ended with 2-1 series victories over both teams. This success came without injured captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and opening batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who was on parental leave for all but the last two games. Sciver-Brunt is expected to be fit for the start, initially playing solely as a batter through at least the group stage. ## England's leadership and rising talent shine In Sciver-Brunt's absence, Charlie Dean led the team with distinction, while several batters filled unfamiliar roles effectively. Linsey Smith proved nearly unplayable to New Zealand, spearheading a bowling attack rich with left-arm spinners including 18-year-old newcomer Tilly Corteen-Coleman. Fielding, a key weakness during their 2024 exit, has shown noticeable improvement. The home crowd at Lord's will be vocal in their support as England aim to lift the trophy, with Group 2 considered the easier draw, making a final appearance seem like a bare minimum standard. ## Alice Capsey's rapid rise catches eyes Alice Capsey has emerged as a revelation in England's lead-up to the tournament. Having debuted internationally at just 16 nearly four years ago, she delivered two career-best T20I scores within two weeks—74 not out against New Zealand while opening the innings for the first time and 82 against India batting at number four. Her performances signaled a leap in maturity, transitioning from a fill-in player to a first-choice batter. The upcoming balance shift with Sciver-Brunt's return adds intrigue to her hot streak. ## Ireland eyes breakthrough at World Cup return Ireland returns to the T20 World Cup after missing the 2024 edition, securing qualification convincingly and making their fifth tournament appearance. A young squad led by Gaby Lewis, captaining Ireland at a T20 World Cup for the first time, arrives with growing confidence. Recent encouraging results include a landmark first T20I victory over West Indies and a win against Pakistan in a home tri-series. Multiple players impressed, notably opener Amy Hunter, fast bowler Ava Canning, and allrounder Orla Prendergast. ## Ireland gears up for challenging group stage England's conditions are expected to mirror Ireland's home conditions, potentially favoring the visitors. Despite a tough group, Ireland believes it can produce surprises. The team has yet to win a match in 17 attempts at the T20 World Cup and aims to change that narrative. They will be without the experience of injured former captain Laura Delany. ## Ireland squad and standout performer Squad: Gaby Lewis (capt), Orla Prendergast (vice-capt), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Alice Tector, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell. Orla Prendergast has developed into the team's premier allrounder since her T20I debut as a 17-year-old in 2019 and was named vice-captain for the World Cup. ## Orla Prendergast: Ireland's key allrounder Since the start of 2025, Orla Prendergast has scored 653 runs including six half-centuries while taking 20 wickets at an economy rate of 5.60 in 23 matches. She single-handedly dismantled West Indies during the tri-series, returning figures of 2 for 21 before scoring 71 not out off 46 balls to secure a historic win. Her contributions at the 2023 T20 World Cup and alongside captain Lewis will be pivotal in Ireland's hopes of making an impact. ## New Zealand seeks repeat success after rocky lead-up If poor form heading into the 2024 T20 World Cup was New Zealand's path to victory, their current trajectory might suggest a different story. After lifting the trophy by reaching the UAE following four series losses and ten consecutive defeats, New Zealand has since delivered promising results, including back-to-back series wins against Zimbabwe and South Africa at home in 2026 before a recent series loss in England. ## New Zealand's batting reliance and farewell tour When the T20I series in England was tied 1-1, New Zealand collapsed to 80 all out, struggling against both pace and spin. Sophie Devine once again led the scoring for New Zealand, underlining concerns that much could hinge on her bat as early and frequent wicket losses persist. This tournament also marks the international farewells of Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu, whose combined tally nears 900 appearances. With success already tasted, New Zealand aims to send them off with another trophy. ## New Zealand squad and next-gen captain Squad: Isabella Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Polly Inglis (wk), Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Melie Kerr (capt), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Brooke Halliday, Nensi Patel, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu. Melie Kerr, now 25 and set to play her fifth T20 World Cup, takes over as captain after Devine passed on both the role and the trophy in 2024. ## Melie Kerr leads young New Zealand side After being named Player of the Final and Tournament in 2024, Melie Kerr continues to lead New Zealand's run charts and has taken the second-most wickets. From a player celebrated since age 16, she could add more accolades by lifting the trophy as captain. The tournament could become a memorable farewell for Devine, Bates, and Tahuhu, but Kerr's leadership remains vital. ## Scotland returns with fresh momentum Scotland returns for their second successive T20 World Cup after debuting in the UAE two years ago, retaining as many as ten squad members. They qualified via the global qualifiers in Nepal by overcoming strong competition from the USA. Recent form has been encouraging, topping a home tri-series with Bangladesh and Netherlands by winning three of four matches, which has been a key part of their preparation. ## Scotland's challenge against top-tier teams Scotland's biggest hurdle remains limited exposure to the world's strongest sides, a common challenge for Associate nations. Rapid adaptation will be critical once the tournament begins if they hope to secure their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup victory. Their squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent as they aim to make their mark on the global stage. ## Scotland squad and veteran spinner's return Squad: Kathryn Bryce (capt), Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Gabriella Fontenla, Katherine Fraser, Kirstie Gordon, Ailsa Lister, Maisie Maceira, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul. Kirstie Gordon rejoins Scotland after a previous stint from 2012 to 2017, returning in December 2025 during a period of growth in Scotland's women's cricket structure. ## Kirstie Gordon: Scotland's spin strength Gordon's left-arm spin was instrumental in their tri-series performance, highlighted by a three-wicket haul against the Netherlands. Her precision through middle overs has made her a reliable option, and her familiarity with captain Sarah Bryce—both teammates at The Blaze—has strengthened her second stint with the team. ## Sri Lanka enters with five straight T20I wins Sri Lanka enters the World Cup on a high note, having won five consecutive T20I matches, all played away from home: two in the Caribbean and three in Bangladesh. These victories were not solely reliant on Chamari Athapaththu, who claimed Player of the Series in both series, as Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Kavisha Dilhari also earned Player of the Match awards. Sri Lanka also boasts positive memories in England, having won a T20I series against a depleted England side in 2023. ## Sri Lanka's batting strength and seam concerns Sri Lanka enters as a team with promise but has yet to break into the top tier of women's cricket, having never reached a World Cup semi-final. While their batting appears solid, their seam bowling—despite flashes from Malki Madara, 25, in her first T20 World Cup—has not consistently proven its mettle. Even when Athapaththu struggles, seam has struggled to deliver, pushing the team to rely heavily on spin. ## Sri Lanka squad and Chamari Athapaththu's role Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya. Chamari Athapaththu has indicated her willingness to continue playing for Sri Lanka, according to new coach Jamie Siddons. ## Athapaththu's big-stage consistency Athapaththu enters the tournament in good form and has a history of elevating her game for major events. While power-hitting remains her hallmark, she has improved as an offspinner and will play a key role in Sri Lanka's attack in England. Her leadership and performance will be central to Sri Lanka's hopes of reaching the semi-finals. ## West Indies' mixed form ahead of tournament West Indies' T20 side has been defined by inconsistent form since reaching the 2024 semi-final. Aside from a 3-0 home series win over Bangladesh, they recorded a one-match upset against India and a 2-1 series victory over South Africa but then lost both completed games against Sri Lanka at the start of this year. They finished joint top with Ireland in a recent tri-series with Pakistan, where captain Hayley Matthews stood out as usual. ## Young allrounders and experienced anchors in West Indies Jannillea Glasgow is emerging as a key allrounder with an unbeaten half-century against South Africa last year and was the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tri-series with 42 against Pakistan and 36 against Ireland batting at number seven. Matthews and Glasgow will lean on experienced allrounders Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry, and Stafanie Taylor, who is returning to bowling after nearly five years in T20Is, nearing 100 wickets. ## West Indies squad and key performers Squad: Hayley Matthews (capt), 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. Qiana Joseph impressed with left-arm spin during the tri-series, finishing with a 4.90 economy and taking 3 for 8 against Ireland in their first match. ## Chinelle Henry: explosive West Indies allrounder Named vice-captain this year, Chinelle Henry has risen on the radar for major franchises like the WPL after initially stepping in as an injury replacement in 2025. She was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-winning team this year, scoring 35 not out off 15 and taking two wickets in the final, finishing among the tournament's top wicket-takers. Her explosive batting, wicket-taking ability, and athleticism in the field make her one of the most exciting players globally.