Top News

Australia and the West Indies will lock horns in the first semi-final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at Kennington Oval, London, on Tuesday. Australia will be the favourites to triumph after yet another dominant campaign, but the West Indies have already proven that they can overcome the strongest teams.

The Caribbean arrived in the semi-finals after they beat the defending champions, New Zealand, in the group stages. That game proved to be the significant game of their tournament and gave them the belief to go all the way and beat six-time champions Australia.

Although Australia has some of the finest players in each department, the West Indies also have multiple match-winners who can win the match single-handedly.

Captain Hayley Matthews will lead from the front for West Indies. The all-rounder has proved highly effective against Australia and has been a consistent performer with the bat and the ball.

In 13 T20Is against Australia, Matthews has accumulated 507 runs at an average of 46.09 and an impressive strike rate of 145.68. Her statistics are even more impressive than her career records, indicating she performs well against our arch-rivals.

She has also taken 15 wickets against Australia, with an economy of 7.53. If Matthews gets another performance of all-round brilliance, West Indies could really give Australia a tough time.

Also Read | ICC's Women's T20 World Cup Scheduling Policy for India Sparks 'Unfair' Debate

Chinelle Henry has had a fabulous 2026 season and has established herself as one of the West Indies' most lethal all-rounders.

Has accumulated 168 runs in nine T20I innings playing this year an average of 42 with striking rate of 140. Contributed with the ball by taking eight wickets in 11 innings.

Henry has been particularly impressive against Australia, claiming six wickets in eight T20Is. If she fires in both innings, this could make her one of the key performers of the semi-final.

Veteran all-rounder Stafanie Taylor has a wealth of experience to offer the West Indies team. The 35-year-old has been involved in several high-pressure matches and has a great temperament.

Taylor has amassed 504 runs in 18 T20Is against Australia, at an average of 31.50. She's been in tremendous form this year, accumulating 240 runs at an average of 34.28.

Her record in England further indicates positive signs, as in 16 T20I's she scored 370 runs at an average of 37. So if Taylor anchors the innings, providing support to the middle order, then West Indies will be in a state of strong challenge to Australia.

But other than those three, Deandra Dottin can be a handful for the opposition and is capable of winning matches in a hurry. Shemaine Campbelle and Aaliyah Alleyne have also played well in the tournament so far and could be crucial if West Indies are to pull off one of the biggest upsets in Women's T20 World Cup history.