Australia opened their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a 65-run win over South Africa at Old Trafford on Saturday, led by a blistering half-century from Phoebe Litchfield and disciplined bowling from Georgia Wareham.After being asked to bat, Australia recovered from an early wobble to post 172/8 in their 20 overs. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 107 runs in 16.4 overs, with captain Laura Woolward scoring 44 runs.Australia’s innings got off to a rough start when Georgia Woolf was bowled out for a wicket by Marizan Cup in the first over. Beth Mooney also struggled and scored seven runs to leave Australia under pressure.Litchfield then changed the pace. He hit a boundary off his first ball and struck from the start, helping Australia to 52/2 at the end of the Powerplay. The left-hander completed his half-century in just 23 balls and eventually scored a 24-ball 51 that included nine fours and a six.South Africa counter-attacked when Ashley Gardner was dismissed for one, taking Australia to 57/4. However, Georgia Wareham and Elise Perry added 58 runs for the fifth wicket to take the innings forward. Wareham scored 32 off 22 balls with six fours before Nadine de Klerk ended the partnership.Perry scored 36 off 26 balls in the latter stages, while Annabelle Sutherland scored 21 off 14 balls to take Australia past 170.The South African bowlers shared the wickets. Aya Bunga Khaka, Nonkoliko Malaba and Nadine de Klerk picked up two wickets each, while captain Laura Volward impressed in the field with three catches.Chasing 173, South Africa lost Son Luce lbw to Sophie Mullenix in the first over, before Kim Garth bowled Henry Derrickson in the very next over, leaving them at 7/2.Woolwart and Nadine de Klerk capped the innings with 41 runs. De Klerk scored 25 before Wareham broke the partnership soon after the power play.Marizan Cup briefly counter-attacked, scoring 12 runs, but a mix-up between the wickets ended their stay. Woolwardt continued to hold an end and reached 44 off 39 balls, but his dismissal at Wareham ended South Africa’s hopes.Alana King then removed Sinalo Jafta and Kayla Renick in quick succession, while Ashley Gardner dismissed Shabnam Ismail. Wareham ended the innings by dismissing Chloe Tryon and Nonkololeko Malaba.Wareham finished with 3/13, while Mullenix and King took two wickets apiece as Australia completed a comfortable victory and made a strong start to their campaign.
