Women’s T20WC 2026 AUS-W vs BAN-W Playing 11: Sophie Molineux-led Australia will square off against Nigar Sultana-led Bangladesh in the 09th match of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on June 17 at Headingley, Leeds.
Australia secured a win in the opener match against South Africa while Bangladesh also secured a 6-wicket win against Netherlands.
Aussies are in the top position of the Group B in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 points table while Bangladesh in the third position due to lesser net run rate.
Australia women won the toss and opted to bowl. Speaking at the toss, Australia Women captain Sophie Molineux said, “We’ll have a bowl. Just having a look at the pitch, little bit soft on top. Hopefully we’ll get the best of it with our seamers. Outfield looks a lot faster. Beautiful ground, never been here before.”
While speaking on the today Australia playing 11, Molineux said, “Two changes, Phoebe Litchfield and Ash Gardner are out, and Grace Harris and Megan Schutt are in. Just a couple of injuries. So yeah, Phoebe’s got a new quad injury. She’ll be out until hopefully the India match. Poor Ash had a bit of a fall, the old girl. Sprained ankle, will be fine for next game.”
🚨 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐰𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭
• Injured Phoebe Litchfield and Ash Gardner sit out; Megan Schutt & Grace Harris in Australia’s XI
• Sultana Khatun back in the XI for Bangladesh #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/PhkrKtOAY5
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 17, 2026
Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana said, “We really wanted to bat first because we really wanted to give our batting unit the freedom that they can play with freedom and put some runs on the board. (On facing Australia despite a difficult record against them) I think everyone has an equal opportunity here, and I guess what’s important is how we actually go through this match. It’s all about mindset definitely.”
“And we have that belief that if we can pull together, contribute ourselves in the middle, and execute our plans rightfully, I guess we have a chance. (On the increased intent shown by the batting unit) For a long time, we’ve been debating and consulting about our top order and about intent.”
“So we found someone who can really go after the bowlers, and she’s been doing really well (Ferdous). And a few young players have been very consistent for the team, so it has really changed the scenario of this team.”
Speaking on the today Bangladesh playing 11, Sultana said, “We introduced an off-spinner because they have three left-hand batters over there. So we really wanted to see how she’s been doing.”
Women’s T20WC 2026 AUS-W vs BAN-W Playing 11
Australia women Playing 11: Beth Mooney(w), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux(c), Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt
Bangladesh Women Playing 11: Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Nigar Sultana(w/c), Sobhana Mostary, Sharmin Akhter, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Marufa Akter
