Trisha Ghosal, Cardiff
The weather in Cardiff was gloomy, cloudy, windy and relentlessly wet throughout the day, providing a very English backdrop to India’s latest training session ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
India had arrived at Sophia Gardens hoping for a productive outdoor session, but the persistent rain forced the team indoors for most of the day. There was a brief spell of sunshine around late afternoon and a few Indian players began making their way towards the outdoor nets. However, the respite was short-lived as the rain returned almost immediately. With showers continuing well into the evening and temperatures remaining chilly, India’s preparations were significantly curtailed.
While the weather dominated Cardiff, the tournament itself officially came to life as the first set of warm-up fixtures took place in Derby and Loughborough.
Sri Lanka produced arguably the most eye-catching performance of the day, cruising to a nine-wicket victory over Pakistan. Pakistan posted a competitive 168 for eight after recovering from a middle-order collapse. Openers Muneeba Ali (36) and Gull Feroza (26) laid the foundation, while captain Fatima Sana’s 37 from 26 deliveries ensured a strong finish. Sri Lanka seamer Chethana Vimukthi was particularly impressive, claiming four wickets.
The chase, however, belonged entirely to Chamari Athapaththu. The Sri Lankan captain blasted 94 from 58 balls, peppering the boundary with nine fours and five sixes. Alongside Vishmi Gunarathne, who remained unbeaten on 63, Athapaththu effectively sealed the contest with a dominant opening partnership. While the result will delight Sri Lanka, it also reinforces a familiar theme: when Athapaththu fires, Sri Lanka become a very different side.
In Loughborough, South Africa edged past Ireland by 15 runs in a match reduced to 18 overs per side. Unsurprisingly, Laura Wolvaardt was once again at the heart of South Africa’s batting effort. The Proteas captain struck a fluent 66 from 39 deliveries, accounting for almost half of her side’s total of 135 for eight.
Ireland’s bowlers kept themselves in the contest through Arlene Kelly, who picked up three wickets, while Ava Canning delivered an impressive spell, claiming two wickets and conceding only eight runs at the death.
Ireland’s chase never fully gathered momentum. Marizanne Kapp produced a masterclass with the ball, taking four wickets and removing both openers early. Leah Paul’s 29 offered resistance, but South Africa maintained control throughout to complete a comfortable victory.
New Zealand also enjoyed a productive outing, defeating Bangladesh by 68 runs. Amelia Kerr’s return to form will be particularly encouraging for White Ferns supporters. The captain remained unbeaten on 51 from just 28 balls as New Zealand posted 193 for three.
Suzie Bates contributed 45, Izzy Sharp added a lively 46, while Flora Devonshire provided late acceleration. Bangladesh never seriously threatened the target despite captain Nigar Sultana’s unbeaten 32. The standout performer with the ball was Nensi Patel, whose four-wicket haul dismantled Bangladesh’s middle order and underlined the growing importance of finger spin in English conditions.
Earlier in Derby, Scotland continued their encouraging build-up with a convincing 58-run victory over the Netherlands. After Katherine Fraser fell for a duck, Darcey Carter (33) and Kathryn Bryce (32) steadied the innings before Priyanaz Chatterji’s unbeaten 32 from 20 balls provided valuable late momentum, lifting Scotland to 163 for five.
The Dutch response never truly got going. Teenager Gabriella Fontenla struck early blows, while Fraser redeemed her batting disappointment with three wickets. Only Frederique Overdijk and Phebe Molkenboer offered meaningful resistance as the Netherlands were bowled out for 105.
For now, attention returns to Cardiff, where everyone associated with India will be hoping for a break in the weather. The next round of warm-up matches is scheduled for 8 June, with India set to face West Indies. Given the limited practice opportunities available so far, getting a full match in could prove invaluable before the World Cup proper begins.
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The post Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Ups: Athapaththu, Wolvaardt and Amelia Kerr Shine as Rain Disrupts India’s Preparations in Cardiff appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
