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Australia captain Sophie Molineux believes her side has the qualities required to compete for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 title as the tournament gets underway in England and Wales.

Australia begin their Group 1 campaign against South Africa at Old Trafford in Manchester on June 13. The group also includes Bangladesh, the Netherlands, India and Pakistan. After recent disappointments on the global stage, Molineux said the team is focused on using those experiences as motivation rather than pressure.

Since succeeding Alyssa Healy as captain earlier this year, Molineux has overseen a period of transition while guiding a squad that combines experienced players with emerging talent.

“I think it can free us up if we harness that,” Molineux said. “The last couple of World Cups we’ve learnt a whole lot from that and been able to implement a few things. I feel like we’ve really evolved as a team in the last few months and even before that. So, I’m really excited, and I think the girls are really hungry to get out there and be able to put that in place.”

Australia enters the tournament seeking a stronger finish after reaching the semi-finals of the previous Women’s T20 World Cup. The team topped its group with four wins from four matches but was eliminated by South Africa, who secured an eight-wicket victory in Dubai on October 17, 2024.

Molineux has also received positive signs regarding her own fitness. After a stress reaction in her back limited her bowling duties during the West Indies tour in March, she has returned to full participation in warm-up matches. The left-arm spinner claimed figures of 2 for 17 and 1 for 16 in two completed preparation games, indicating she is ready to contribute with both ball and leadership.

The captain emphasized that she wants to create a calm and supportive environment within the squad.

“As a person and leader, I’d like to be calm,” she said. “I also care a lot about this team and the people in it, first and foremost, that the people in the environment feel like they can be themselves.”

Australia's squad depth remains one of its major strengths. The team has multiple spin-bowling options, including Molineux, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham and Alana King, while several pace bowlers have impressed during the build-up to the tournament.

Molineux praised the contributions of players across the squad, highlighting Lucy Hamilton’s performances in Arundel and the versatility of experienced all-rounders Annabel Sutherland and Ellyse Perry. She also noted the strong form shown by Wareham and King in recent matches.

With competition for places expected to remain intense throughout the tournament, Molineux believes Australia is well equipped for the challenges ahead.

“I’d like us to be calm. We’ve got all the ingredients there. Now we’ve got the stage and the opportunity to be able to show that over the next few weeks,” she said. “The girls are really hungry to be able to do that. I’m really excited for what this group can do.”

Australia will begin its World Cup campaign aiming to turn recent progress into success, with Molineux confident the team has both the talent and depth required to compete for the title.