Ismail returns as T20 World Cup heats up with triple-header Saturday

The Women's T20 World Cup opens with three high-stakes matches featuring Australia vs South Africa and New Zealand vs West Indies.

Triple-header kicks off World Cup The tournament's first triple-header begins with Ireland facing Scotland, a match starting at 9.30am GMT in Manchester. Ireland, appearing in their fifth T20 World Cup, have yet to register a victory in 17 attempts. Scotland, making their second appearance, stunned Ireland in the qualifiers last time they met. Their opening game is set for Manchester at dawn. ## Australia and South Africa renew rivalry Old Trafford will host the blockbuster clash between top-ranked Australia and South Africa at 1.30pm GMT. Australia's dominance is undisputed, but South Africa has a recent highlight—beating them in the 2024 semi-finals. This marks Australia Women's first white-ball international at Old Trafford since the 1976 Test, adding extra significance to the fixture. ## New Zealand bid farewell with West Indies The evening sees defending champions New Zealand take on 2016 winners West Indies in Southampton from 5.30pm GMT. Both sides reached the 2024 semi-finals and aim to prove their worth again. New Zealand will be led by Melie Kerr, with Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu playing their final tournament. West Indies feature Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, and Deandra Dottin in a star-studded line-up. ## Ireland and Scotland team updates Ireland’s probable XI includes Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis as captain, and rising stars like Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul. Scotland’s Abtaha Maqsood is ruled out with a fracture, replaced by Hannah Rainey. Ireland, playing their fifth World Cup, seek their first win. Scotland, appearing in just their second edition, aim to make an impact. ## Australia's probable starting XI Australia’s likely line-up features Beth Mooney, Georgia Voll, and Phoebe Litchfield, who trained well after a quad issue. Captain Sophie Molineux leads a side packed with stars like Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner. Megan Schutt anchors the bowling attack. This marks their first white-ball game at Old Trafford in decades. ## South Africa's squad rotation and Ismail's return South Africa’s probable XI includes Laura Wolvaardt as captain, with Marizanne Kapp returning after illness. Shabnim Ismail, who unretired, could make a dramatic comeback in the XI. Dane van Niekerk’s inclusion remains uncertain. South Africa’s recent win over Australia in 2024 adds spice to the rematch. ## New Zealand and West Indies key players New Zealand’s likely XI features Suzie Bates, Melie Kerr, Sophie Devine, and Lea Tahuhu in a farewell tournament. West Indies will miss Chinelle Henry due to an injury sustained in warm-ups. Hayley Matthews leads a side including Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor. Both teams bring 2024 semi-final experience to Southampton. ## Weather and pitch conditions Manchester saw heavy rain before Saturday, forcing South Africa to train indoors. Forecasts predict lingering showers before 10am, with overcast skies and winds below 20°C. The pitch remains green, suggesting a slower surface. Southampton expects sunny skies and 23°C, ideal for evening play. ## Quotes from team leaders Scotland’s Chloe Abel shared, "The belief is a lot higher than a couple of years ago. The last T20 World Cup was new for us, so we took time to adjust." Ireland’s Gaby Lewis added, "We never went in as favourites; this time, people expect us to win the World Cup back home." South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt stated, "This time, it feels like people want us to go all the way." Australia’s Sophie Molineux noted, "We’re not being hunted; we’re out there to go and get it." ## Key players to watch Scotland’s Darcey Carter, the 21-year-old allrounder, tops Scotland’s run-scorers with six half-centuries since the last World Cup. Shabnim Ismail returns after retirement, bringing her pace and aggression. Suzie Bates, despite a poor ODI World Cup, has five half-centuries and 14 wickets against West Indies. Ismail and Marizanne Kapp opening the bowling together could be a highlight of the tournament.