ICC announces Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament, Sophie Molineux to lead

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The curtain has officially fallen on a historic ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the official Team of the Tournament. Following a spectacular campaign that culminated in a thrilling final at Lord’s, the tournament showcase highlighted both established global icons and breakout stars. Unsurprisingly, the newly crowned champions, Australia, spearhead the elite lineup after securing a record-extending seventh world title. The final eleven, alongside a dynamic 12th player, features an impressive representation from eight different competing nations, underscoring the rapidly growing depth and global parity in the women’s game.

Australia’s unrelenting march to the trophy is heavily reflected in the selection panel’s final squad. Four Australian players earned their spots in the prestigious lineup, led by left-arm orthodox maestro Sophie Molineux, who was also handed the captaincy duties for this team. Molineux was the tactical heartbeat of the Australian bowling unit, snaring 11 wickets at an exceptional average of 14.72 to stifle opposition batters throughout the powerplay and middle overs.

Joining her is veteran wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney, who was rightfully named the Player of the Tournament. Mooney’s flawless glovework and steadying presence at the top of the order provided Australia with the ideal platform in high-pressure matches. Iconic all-rounder Ellyse Perry and the deeply impactful Ashleigh Gardner round out the Australian contingent, proving once again why the Aussie stars remain the gold standard of international cricket.

The batting department features a masterclass in explosive hitting and calculated anchor roles. England’s opening batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge anchors the hypothetical lineup after finishing the tournament as the highest run-scorer with a staggering 302 runs. Her ability to consistently dismantle bowling attacks in the first six overs set a blistering tempo for England throughout their campaign.

Partnering her in the upper-middle order is teammate Nat Sciver-Brunt, who enjoyed an extraordinary World Cup cycle. Sciver-Brunt amassed 227 runs while maintaining a jaw-dropping batting average of 113.50, demonstrating unmatched composure during tense run chases. Ireland’s Orla Prendergast also secured a well-deserved position as a premier all-rounder, having turned heads with 181 runs and 6 vital wickets, further solidifying her reputation as one of Europe’s brightest cricketing talents.

While India’s overall campaign faced structural hurdles, young left-arm spinner Shree Charani emerged as a massive bright spot for the Women in Blue. The teenage spin prodigy bamboozled the world’s best batters to finish as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps. Her inclusion as the lone Indian representative is a testament to her accuracy, drift, and immense temperament on the biggest stage.The lower-middle order honors celebrate cross-continental excellence.

Sri Lanka’s Nilakshika Silva and South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp were recognized for their clutch, match-winning contributions during crucial group-stage fixtures. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Fatima Sana earned her bowling all-rounder slot by hunting down 11 wickets in just five matches, showcasing lethal pace bowling.

Rounding out the historic squad is Scotland’s Darcey Carter, named as the 12th player. Scoring 208 runs with fearless intent, Carter becomes the first-ever Scottish cricketer to be named to an ICC World Cup Team of the Tournament, marking a monumental milestone for Associate cricket.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.