Australia has won the toss and chosen to bat in their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against South Africa at Emirates Old Trafford. The six-time champions, led by new captain Sophie Molineux, are the top-ranked T20I team globally. South Africa, ranked fifth, led by Laura Wolvaardt, aims to challenge Australia’s dominance in the tournament. Historically, Australia has a strong record against South Africa in T20 internationals, winning nine out of 11 encounters.
Australia’s skipper Sophie Molineux expressed her team’s intention to bat first, aiming to set a competitive total. On the other hand, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt mentioned their preference for chasing, citing their good record in such situations. Both teams are geared up for a competitive match, with Australia fielding players like Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry, while South Africa relies on key players like Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail.
The playing XIs for the match are as follows: Australia – Beth Mooney (WK), Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ash Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux (c), Kim Garth, Alana King. South Africa – Laura Wolvaardt (C), Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Kayla Reyneke, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.
