Lauren Winfield-Hill Backs South Africa To Win 2026 Women's T20 World Cup — Australia Vs South Africa
Lauren Winfield-Hill has backed South Africa to win the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, saying it would not be an upset. The Australia vs South Africa group matchups already shape the path, with only two teams from Group B going through to the semi-finals.
"I'm really fancying South Africa," Winfield-Hill said ahead of the tournament. She added: "It's the story for me, it's the narrative, the nearly misses and the old girls getting back together. It's the last dance story...It wouldn't be an upset [if they won], I think they've got a real chance."
Winfield-Hill And South Africa
South Africa have reached three ICC finals across formats since 2023 without winning a title. They lost the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup final to Australia at home, went down to New Zealand in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, and finished runners-up to India in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup.
That run gives Winfield-Hill's view a clear base. South Africa have already shown they can get to the last stage, and their campaign now begins in a Group B that also includes Australia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Netherlands.
Ismail And Van Niekerk
The return of Shabnim Ismail and Dane van Niekerk adds another layer. Both players had retired from international cricket after the 2023 T20 World Cup, while Van Niekerk last played international cricket in 2021.
Winfield-Hill said: "I think Van Nierkerk is a different addition to Shabs [Ismail]" and also said: "I think Shabs coming in definitely strengthens the side significantly, and I think her reputation, her passion, her first gives them a bit of zest, gives them more." She added: "I don't think necessarily the inclusion of Dane gives them a lot more than what could potentially disrupt them."
Group B Pressure
Laura Wolvaardt remains central to South Africa's batting and leadership, with Tazmin Brits one of their most important top-order players in recent years. Marizanne Kapp brings experience with both bat and ball, while Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk and Nonkululeko Mlaba have all been part of the side's recent ICC final runs.
South Africa also beat India in a series before the tournament, a useful marker before a group stage where the Australia and India fixtures are likely to decide the semi-final race. Winfield-Hill's call is plain: South Africa have the core, the returning names and the recent big-match mileage to push for the title rather than simply make up the numbers.
