Group A Australia Coach Shelley Nitschke Captain Sophie Molineux WT20WC best: Winners 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2023 Six-time champions Australia remain the betting favourites, yet for the first time a scenario exists where they miss the semi-finals, as Group A is the stronger section. By naming left-arm spinner Molineux captain in January, the side may have created a selection issue, with leg-spinner Alana King possibly omitted despite strong recent form. Molineux’s fitness remains uncertain due to ongoing back problems that could restrict her bowling, and without the captaincy she might not feature as a batter alone. Key player Ash Gardner After missing the captaincy, the all-rounder must move past disappointment and contribute more with the bat. Bangladesh Coach Sarwar Imran Captain Nigar Sultana Joty WT20WC best Group stages 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024 This tournament marks new ground for Bangladesh, who have never visited England before. Joty noted the challenge of different pitches and conditions compared with Asia. Preparation included a tri-series in Edinburgh against Scotland and the Netherlands, yielding two wins and two losses. Key player Marufa Akter The 21-year-old troubled England with swing bowling in the recent 50-over World Cup and will lead the attack in this event. India Coach Amol Muzumdar Captain Harmanpreet Kaur WT20WC best Runners-up 2020 India remain difficult to assess. Their goal is to match Australia’s long-term dominance. They won the 50-over World Cup final last November, then beat Australia in a T20 series before losing 4-1 to South Africa and splitting results with England. Pace bowler Nandani Sharma impressed on debut after a hat-trick in the WPL. Key player Harmanpreet Kaur At 37, the captain confirmed she has no plans to retire after strong recent form. Netherlands Coach Neil MacRae Captain Babette de Leede WT20WC best N/A The Netherlands gained T20I status only in 2018 and reached their first World Cup via qualifiers in January. Most players are part-time, including the captain who holds a master’s degree in econometrics. They aim for victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan to secure automatic qualification for the next edition. Key player Sterre Kalis The batter, in her sixth professional season in England, offers useful knowledge of local conditions. Pakistan Coach Wahab Riaz Captain Fatima Sana WT20WC best Group stages Following recent poor results, Pakistan have made changes, with five players making their first World Cup appearance. Coaching staff were also updated after the 50-over tournament. Captain Fatima Sana, fresh from a record 15-ball fifty, is central to their hopes. Key player Sadia Iqbal The left-arm spinner, ranked second globally, seeks further wickets. South Africa Coach Mandla Mashimbyi Captain Laura Wolvaardt WT20WC best Finalists 2023
