A surprise group-stage exit? T20 World Cup team preview

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The Women's T20 World Cup begins on Friday, with hosts England facing Sri Lanka in the tournament opener at Edgbaston.

Six-time winners Australia enter as favorites but 50-over world champions India and back-to-back finalists South Africa could challenge that status.

As for England, they secured a major series victory against India in preparation and have never lost a World Cup as hosts.

The 12-team event features two groups of six, with the top two from each advancing to the semi-finals ahead of the final at Lord's on 5 July.

Former England spinner and 2017 World Cup winner Alex Hartley, part of the BBC Test Match Special commentary team, offers a guide to every side along with her forecasts and a player to watch from each team.

Group One - Australia

Australia always begin global events as favorites yet they have something to prove here - not to others, just themselves after recent disappointments.

They exited in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the 50-over event last year. They will carry the favorites label, so it will be intriguing to observe their approach under new leader Sophie Molineux following Alyssa Healy's retirement.

Player to watch: Annabel Sutherland (all-rounder)

Prediction: Champions

India

They hold real potential to become double world champions. With the Women's Premier League, they are accustomed to high-pressure situations and large crowds more than most.

The question remains whether they can handle fan expectations. The 50-over World Cup triumph has altered their image of faltering under pressure after finally succeeding, yet in T20 cricket they remain somewhat inconsistent with the ball.

Their batting strength stands out with power hitting throughout the order, an area where many sides fall short. Still, they face the toughest group and an upset appears possible.

Player to watch: Bharti Fulmali (batter)

Prediction: Group-stage exit

South Africa

They have reached three consecutive world finals but lost each one, earning a reputation for struggling under pressure.

This group of death will make progression difficult, but the return of Shabnim Ismail to open the bowling alongside Marizanne Kapp strengthens them greatly, complemented by outstanding captain Laura Wolvaardt.

Ismail's comeback might suggest limited depth, yet she undeniably bolsters the side.

Player to watch: Shabnim Ismail (fast bowler)

Prediction: Losing semi-finalists

Pakistan

Pakistan could secure a couple of victories, but facing India, Australia and South Africa makes semi-final qualification nearly impossible.

They displayed strong bowling potential at the 50-over World Cup with near-upsets against Australia and England, though their batting lacks power.

Attention turns to captain Fatima Sana. Discussions about franchise opportunities make this a key moment for her to deliver against top opposition.

Player to watch: Fatima Sana (all-rounder)

Prediction: Group-stage exit

Bangladesh

Like Pakistan, Bangladesh rely on their bowling attack. They troubled England significantly in last year's World Cup but lack batting experience and power to close out wins.

Their bowlers may create issues, yet not enough to challenge the top three sides here.

Progress will be hard due to limited matches and no domestic structure for added depth.

Player to watch: Marufa Akter (fast bowler)

Prediction: Group-stage exit

Netherlands

Reaching the knockout stage looks nearly impossible, but their qualification marks one of the tournament's standout stories.

One player (Caroline de Lange) left her role as a doctor to compete, highlighting their development stage as a non-professional side.

It promises a memorable experience, aligning with the 12-team format's aim to grow the sport. They will depend heavily on captain Babette de Leede and Sterre Kalis, their most seasoned player with UK domestic experience.

Player to watch: Sterre Kalis (batter)

Prediction: Group-stage exit

Women's T20 World Cup

12 June to 5 July

Ball-by-ball commentary on all 33 matches across BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app, which also feature live text commentary on selected games and video highlights.

Group Two - England

A refreshed England has emerged in T20 cricket this year. Head coach Charlotte Edwards has focused on all-rounders such as Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson, mirroring Australia's approach.

They have underachieved in recent World Cups, missing a global final since 2022, so they aim to demonstrate growth under pressure where they have previously faltered.

A strong preparation offers confidence from defeating India.

Player to watch: Freya Kemp (all-rounder)

Prediction: Runners-up

New Zealand

As defending champions, their 2024 victory came as a surprise and they remain underdogs.

No pressure exists to repeat the title.

Against England they appeared uncertain over batting order and placement for Suzie Bates, who featured at both ends of the lineup.

Dependence on Melie Kerr and Sophie Devine was evident in that series. The core trio of Bates, Devine and Lea Tahuhu play their final event - will it bring freedom or added strain?

Player to watch: Sophie Devine (all-rounder)

Prediction: Group-stage exit

West Indies

Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin opening the batting creates real problems for bowlers.

West Indies remain unpredictable, adding to their appeal.

Experienced Stafanie Taylor has raised her level lately, while Chinelle Henry has gained franchise exposure that should reduce reliance on Matthews.

They possess the ability to defeat anyone with batting power, but bowling inconsistency remains a concern.

Player to watch: Chinelle Henry (all-rounder)

Prediction: Losing semi-finalists

Scotland

Scotland stand as genuine underdogs. A strong squad has developed through consistent UK domestic cricket.

This has enabled faster progress than sides like Ireland. Kirstie Gordon's return provides a major lift after switching back from England.

An upset looks feasible, though insufficient for group progression.

Player to watch: Ailsa Lister (batter)

Prediction: Group-stage exit

Ireland

Ireland face a tough challenge and are unlikely to advance from the group.

They depend heavily on Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast in batting, particularly after Laura Delany's injury withdrawal.

They showed promise against West Indies and Pakistan in the pre-tournament tri-series, yet consistency remains doubtful.

Player to watch: Amy Hunter (wicketkeeper-batter)

Prediction: Group-stage exit

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka follow the pattern of over-reliance on one standout performer, Chamari Athapaththu. She excels but cannot win matches single-handedly every time.

They raise concerns due to limited fixtures and insufficient structure for player growth, with batting as their primary weakness.

Nevertheless, they boast a solid, spin-oriented bowling attack.

Player to watch: Kaveesha Dilhari (all-rounder)

Prediction: Group-stage exit

Group One - Australia

India

South Africa

Pakistan

Bangladesh

Netherlands

Group Two - England

New Zealand

West Indies

Scotland

Ireland

Sri Lanka

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