Women's T20 World Cup Group B preview: Can West Indies, Sri Lanka surprise the favourites?

Group B promises to be one of the most competitive pools at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, featuring England, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Scotland. Defending champions New Zealand will enter the tournament with confidence after lifting their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title in 2024 and will be among the favourites to progress to the semi-finals.

Hosts England will also fancy their chances, especially with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt fit and available for the tournament. Playing in home conditions could give the English side a significant advantage as they look to end their wait for a major ICC trophy.

West Indies possess enough firepower to challenge any team on their day, while Sri Lanka will rely heavily on their experienced core to make a deep run. Ireland and Scotland may be considered outsiders, but both sides have shown steady improvement and will be eager to spring a few surprises.

With two heavyweight contenders in England and New Zealand, and several dangerous dark horses in the mix, Group B is expected to deliver thrilling contests and a fierce battle for the two semi-final spots.

NEW ZEALAND, ENGLAND STRONG FAVOURITES

England and New Zealand head into the tournament as the strongest contenders to emerge from Group B, thanks to their impressive recent form and squads filled with match-winners.

Defending champions New Zealand enjoyed a dominant home season, crushing South Africa 4-1 in a five-match T20I series. Captain Amelia Kerr led from the front with several all-round performances, while veterans Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates continued to provide stability and firepower. The White Ferns capped the series with a commanding 92-run win in Christchurch, underlining their title credentials.

Although New Zealand later suffered a 1-2 T20I series defeat to England, they remained highly competitive and showcased the depth that helped them become world champions. The tournament also carries extra significance for the White Ferns, with Devine, Bates and Lea Tahuhu all set to retire from international cricket after the World Cup.

England, meanwhile, arrive with plenty of momentum after securing a 2-1 T20I series victory over India. Alice Capsey starred with a blistering 82 in the decider, while Heather Knight's unbeaten 70 helped England chase down 181 in one of their highest successful T20I run chases. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt's return to full fitness is another major boost.

With proven stars such as Kerr, Devine, Sciver-Brunt, Capsey and Knight in their ranks, New Zealand and England are deserved favourites to reach the semi-finals from Group B.

WEST INDIES, SRI LANKA LOOK FOR INSPIRING MOMENTS

Sri Lanka and West Indies possess enough quality and experience to challenge England and New Zealand for a semi-final spot in Group B. Sri Lanka head into the tournament with confidence after a successful tour of the Caribbean earlier this year, where they won both the ODI and T20I series against West Indies. Captain Chamari Athapaththu was at the heart of that success, finishing as Sri Lanka's leading run-scorer and carrying her excellent form into 2026.

The veteran all-rounder also starred in a 3-0 T20I series sweep of Bangladesh, earning Player of the Series honours and rising in the ICC rankings. Alongside Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari add valuable depth to the side.

West Indies, meanwhile, will rely heavily on captain Hayley Matthews, one of the world's premier all-rounders. Matthews has scored over 2,700 T20I runs and continues to deliver match-winning performances, while experienced campaigners Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor provide invaluable big-match pedigree.

Having won the Women's T20 World Cup in 2016, the Caribbean side knows what it takes to succeed on the global stage and remains capable of upsetting any opponent on its day.

IRELAND, SCOTLAND LOOK TO MAKE AN IMPACT

Ireland and Scotland will head into the Women's T20 World Cup as underdogs, but both sides have shown enough recent promise to believe they can spring a few surprises in Group B. Ireland enjoyed a memorable victory over Pakistan in their most recent bilateral T20I series, winning the opening match by 11 runs in Dublin.

Key players such as captain Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter and all-rounder Orla Prendergast have been central to Ireland's progress, with Prendergast continuing to establish herself as one of the most impactful all-rounders in associate and emerging women's cricket.

Scotland, meanwhile, arrive with plenty of momentum after winning a home T20I tri-series featuring Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Captain Kathryn Bryce starred throughout the tournament, finishing among the leading run-scorers and making vital contributions with the ball.

Katherine Fraser also impressed with her all-round performances, while Kirstie Gordon was one of Scotland's most effective wicket-takers. Scotland won three of their four matches to lift the trophy, highlighting the confidence they carry into the World Cup.

While neither side is expected to challenge for the title, Ireland and Scotland possess enough talent and belief to trouble the more fancied teams and potentially influence the race for the semi-final spots.

Players to watch out for

Amelia Kerr – Since succeeding Sophie Devine as New Zealand captain, Amelia Kerr has elevated her game to another level. Leading from the front with both bat and ball, she has consistently delivered impactful performances. Kerr was named Player of the Series during the White Ferns' triumphant 2024 campaign, and New Zealand will be hoping she can maintain that form as they aim for another strong showing on the global stage.

Nat Sciver Brunt – England's captain has endured a difficult period while recovering from a calf injury, with Charlie Dean leading the side in her absence. A proven match-winner with both bat and ball, the veteran remains a key figure for England. The hosts will be hoping for her swift return as they aim to lift the trophy on home soil at Lord's.

Hayley Matthews – The West Indies captain may still be relatively young, but she already brings a decade of international experience. One of the most sought-after players in franchise T20 cricket, she is renowned for her exceptional all-round abilities. Matthews will need to lead from the front and deliver consistently if West Indies are to secure a top-two finish and book a place in the semis.

Chamari Athapaththu – The Sri Lankan captain is set to feature in her 10th Women’s T20 World Cup, and all eyes will be on her. A powerful left-handed batter capable of turning matches with her aggressive stroke play, she remains Sri Lanka’s biggest match-winner. It goes without saying that she will be central to her team’s fortunes. With support from the rest of the squad, Athapaththu will hope to cause a few surprises.

Group B squads for Women’s T20 World Cup

England

Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

New Zealand

Amelia Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu

West Indies

Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Shawnisha Hector

Sri Lanka

Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi

Ireland

Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector

Scotland

Kathryn Bryce (c), Chloe Abel, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Gabriella Fontenla, Katherine Fraser, Kirstie Gordon, Ailsa Lister, Maisie Maceira, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul

Women’s T20 World Cup Group B Fixtures

June 12, 2026

• England Women vs Sri Lanka Women — Edgbaston, Birmingham

June 13, 2026

• West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women — The Rose Bowl, Southampton

June 16, 2026

• New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women — The Rose Bowl, Southampton
• England Women vs Ireland Women — The Rose Bowl, Southampton

June 18, 2026

• West Indies Women vs Scotland Women — Headingley, Leeds

June 19, 2026

• New Zealand Women vs Ireland Women — The Rose Bowl, Southampton

June 20, 2026

• England Women vs Scotland Women — Headingley, Leeds

June 21, 2026

• West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women — County Ground, Bristol

June 23, 2026

• New Zealand Women vs Scotland Women — County Ground, Bristol
• Sri Lanka Women vs Ireland Women — County Ground, Bristol

June 24, 2026

• England Women vs West Indies Women — Lord's, London

June 26, 2026

• Sri Lanka Women vs Scotland Women — Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

June 27, 2026

• West Indies Women vs Ireland Women — County Ground, Bristol
• England Women vs New Zealand Women — Kennington Oval, London