Match 3 of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Australia Women vs South Africa Women
Australia began their campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a solid 65-run victory against South Africa at Old Trafford, Manchester. Winning the toss, Australia chose to bat first but faced early setbacks as Marizane Kapp took out opener Georgia Voll and veteran Shabnim Ismail dismissed Beth Mooney. Phoebe Litchfield stepped up, scoring a quick 50 off 24 balls. Ellyse Perry added 36 runs, and Georgia Wareham contributed 32 as they built a 58-run partnership. Key performances from Annabel Sutherland and Nicola Carey helped Australia finish at 172 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Australia’s bowling attack started strong, with captain Sophie Molineux getting Sune Luus out LBW in the first over. Kim Garth took another wicket, leaving South Africa in trouble at 7 for 2. Nadine de Klerk managed to score 25 but was dismissed by Georgia Wareham. Kapp was run out following a direct hit from Ashleigh Gardner, triggering a collapse. Molineux then bowled Laura Wolvaardt for 44, and South Africa ended up all out for 107, losing their last five wickets for just 11 runs. Wareham was outstanding, taking 3 wickets for 13 runs.
Top batting performance of the match – Phoebe Litchfield