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India take on Australia on Sunday to keep their quest for a first Women's T20 World Cup title alive.
While the ODI world champions opened their campaign with two strong wins over Pakistan and the Netherlands, they suffered a defeat against 2024 finalists South Africa.
A win against Bangladesh has kept them in semi-final contention, but they take on Australia in a must-win Group A clash.
However, even as they are chasing more Cup glory India has found itself at the center of a major fairness debate at the Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
The controversy has nothing to do with their performances on the field and everything to do with how the tournament's knockout schedule has been arranged.
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As things stand, India has not yet booked their semi-final place. Their fate rests on the final Group A match against Australia at Lord's on June 28, a virtual quarter-final that will decide whether Harmanpreet Kaur's side progress or head home early.
India goes into the game second in the group on six points, level with South Africa but ahead on net run rate. A win over Australia would all but confirm their place.
The dispute stems from a specific clause in the tournament regulations. It confirms that the team finishing first in Group A meets the Group B runner-up in the first semi-final, but adds that India, if they qualify, will be slotted into that opening semi-final regardless of where they finish.
England duo Kate Cross and Alex Hartley led the criticism. "It's absolutely ridiculous. I don't understand how a governing body can go into a tournament and prioritise one team like that," the pair argued, questioning why the schedule should bend around a single nation.
The pair acknowledged the reasoning behind it. "I know exactly why they're doing it because India generates the most viewership and revenue, but I still think it's unfair," they said.
Defenders counter that scheduling around the game's biggest market is standard commercial practice across sport.
With the group stage reaching its final day, Group A remains tightly poised at the top. From Group B, England and West Indies have already punched their semi-final ticket.
Group A standings
Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Group B standings
Matches will be televised across the Star Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. Coverage will be offered in multiple languages.
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While the ODI world champions opened their campaign with two strong wins over Pakistan and the Netherlands, they suffered a defeat against 2024 finalists South Africa.
A win against Bangladesh has kept them in semi-final contention, but they take on Australia in a must-win Group A clash.
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However, even as they are chasing more Cup glory India has found itself at the center of a major fairness debate at the Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
The controversy has nothing to do with their performances on the field and everything to do with how the tournament's knockout schedule has been arranged.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
Has India qualified for the semifinal?
As things stand, India has not yet booked their semi-final place. Their fate rests on the final Group A match against Australia at Lord's on June 28, a virtual quarter-final that will decide whether Harmanpreet Kaur's side progress or head home early.
India goes into the game second in the group on six points, level with South Africa but ahead on net run rate. A win over Australia would all but confirm their place.
Women's T20 World Cup scheduling row explained
The dispute stems from a specific clause in the tournament regulations. It confirms that the team finishing first in Group A meets the Group B runner-up in the first semi-final, but adds that India, if they qualify, will be slotted into that opening semi-final regardless of where they finish.
England duo Kate Cross and Alex Hartley led the criticism. "It's absolutely ridiculous. I don't understand how a governing body can go into a tournament and prioritise one team like that," the pair argued, questioning why the schedule should bend around a single nation.
The pair acknowledged the reasoning behind it. "I know exactly why they're doing it because India generates the most viewership and revenue, but I still think it's unfair," they said.
Defenders counter that scheduling around the game's biggest market is standard commercial practice across sport.
Women's T20 World Cup 2026 points table
With the group stage reaching its final day, Group A remains tightly poised at the top. From Group B, England and West Indies have already punched their semi-final ticket.
Group A standings
| Pos | Team | M | W | L | NRR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 4 | 4 | 0 | +4.724 | 8 |
| 2 | India | 4 | 3 | 1 | +2.268 | 6 |
| 3 | South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | +0.734 | 6 |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 4 | 2 | 2 | -0.849 | 4 |
| 5 | Pakistan (E) | 5 | 1 | 4 | -1.872 | 2 |
| 6 | Netherlands (E) | 5 | 0 | 5 | -3.276 | 0 |
Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Group B standings
| Pos | Team | M | W | L | NRR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England (Q) | 5 | 5 | 0 | +2.134 | 10 |
| 2 | West Indies (Q) | 5 | 3 | 2 | -0.147 | 6 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 5 | 3 | 2 | -725 | 6 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 5 | 2 | 3 | -0.118 | 4 |
| 5 | Scotland (E) | 5 | 1 | 4 | -0.232 | 2 |
| 6 | Ireland (E) | 5 | 1 | 4 | -0.875 | 2 |
How to watch Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in India: TV channel, live stream
| TV Channel | Live stream |
|---|---|
| Star Sports Network | JioHotstar |
Matches will be televised across the Star Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. Coverage will be offered in multiple languages.
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