All Eyes on Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 as Ashleigh Gardner Sets Ambitious Targets for Australia

Sydney, Australia — Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has declared the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 as Australia’s primary focus, underlining the team’s determination to reclaim global dominance after a challenging period in major ICC tournaments.

Speaking ahead of Australia’s white-ball preparations, Gardner acknowledged that recent World Cup campaigns have not met the lofty standards traditionally associated with the Australian women’s team. However, she believes those disappointments have sharpened the group’s hunger as they build toward the 2026 showpiece event in England and Wales.

“The last couple of World Cups have been frustrating because of how they ended,” Gardner said. “But we’ve learned a lot from those moments, and the T20 World Cup is now the big goal.”

Australia, six-time Women’s T20 World Cup champions, enter the next cycle determined to convert experience into execution. Gardner emphasized that while the squad’s core philosophy and aggressive style will remain intact, greater attention will be placed on winning critical moments — an area she feels proved decisive in recent knockout matches.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on June 12, will feature an expanded 12-team format, increasing both competition and global reach. Australia have been placed in a challenging Group A, alongside India, Pakistan, South Africa, and two teams yet to qualify through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal.

Gardner, a match-winner with both bat and ball, highlighted the importance of preparation and adaptability, particularly against top-tier opposition.

“There’s not going to be a huge overhaul, but it’s about tightening up the small things and being ruthless when opportunities come.”

As part of their buildup, Australia are set to kick off their 2026 international season with a multi-format series against India, including three T20 Internationals. The series is expected to provide a strong benchmark against one of their biggest rivals and offer valuable match practice under high-pressure conditions.

With leadership depth, experience across global leagues, and renewed motivation, Gardner believes Australia remain well-positioned to contend for the title — provided they deliver when it matters most.