IND-W vs SA-W Toss Update (Source:ScreenGrab)
India Women face their biggest challenge so far at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 as they take on South Africa Women in Match No. 18 at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Sunday.
India have enjoyed a dream start to their World Cup campaign, winning their first two matches comfortably.
Harmanpreet Kaur's side defeated Pakistan by 64 runs in their opening game before registering a dominant 95-run victory over the Netherlands.
India have looked impressive in all departments during the tournament. Star opener Smriti Mandhana has been in sensational form, scoring back-to-back half-centuries against Pakistan and the Netherlands. Shafali Verma has also made valuable contributions.
On the other hand, South Africa have had a mixed tournament so far. The Proteas suffered a defeat against defending champions Australia but bounced back with a hard-fought win over Pakistan.
Harmanpreet Kaur Creates History
The IND-W vs SA-W match is special for Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The experienced batter has become the first cricketer, male or female, in the world to play 200 T20I matches.
Most Appearance in T20Is (Men & Women):
- 200 - Harmanpreet Kaur (India)*
- 184 - Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
- 183 - Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England)
- 177 - Ellyse Perry (Australia)
- 169 - Smriti Mandhana (India)*
- 163 - Paul Stirling (Ireland)
Most International Matches in Women’s Cricket:
- 371 - Harmanpreet Kaur (India)*
- 368 - Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
- 360 - Ellyse Perry (Australia)
Also Read: IND-W vs SA-W Head To Head Records- Match 18, T20 World Cup 2026
With the excitement at an all-time high for the IND-W vs SA-W match, in this article, let's take a look at the toss update and the playing XI of India Women and South Africa Women.
IND-W vs SA-W T20 World Cup 2026: Toss Update
Two captains - Harmanpreet Kaur (IND-W) and Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W) are in the middle for the toss.
India Women's captain Harmanpreet Kaur have won the toss and opted to bat first.
It is important to note that India have made 2 changes to the playing XI. As Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the tournament, her replacement, Prema Rawat, is making her India debut.
The second change is that Kranti Gaud is resting for the game, with Arundhati Reddy returning to India's playing XI.
On the other hand, South Africa have also made two changes. Tazmin Brits and Dan van Niekerk come back in place of Sune Luus and Kayla Reyneke.
IND-W vs SA-W: Playing XIs
India Women Playing XI: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana (vc), Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma
South Africa Women Playing XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Dane van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Lesleigh Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
IND-W vs SA-W: Captains Thoughts
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Women captain): "(What would they have done if they had won toss?) We probably would have batted first as well. A pretty big game for us. We would have liked have runs on the board. But now it is about restricting them.
(Conversation in dressing room?) Don't think about the outcome too much. Take it one ball at a time. If we play our best cricket, we will come out at the top.
(On the recent record against India) Nice to have won against them recently. But they have got the better of us in the World Cups, haven't they?
(Team news) Two changes: Taz (Tazmin Brits) and Dani (Dane van Niekerk) are in, Sune Luus and Kayla Reyneke miss out. We wanted to bring in batters who can play spin well.
Also Read: Matt Henry Breaks 32-Year-Old Record; Registers Best Bowling Figures For NZ Vs ENG
Harmanpreet Kaur (India Women Captain): (On the toss decision) "We will bat first because I think it's a good pitch. We felt that if we batted first, we could put up a score that would help us win the game.
(On the conditions at Old Trafford) I think it's a very good pitch. The only thing is that you have to spend some time in the middle, and then you can play your game.
(On reaching 200 T20Is) Honestly, it's been an amazing journey. I never thought I would come this far, but I think God has been kind. I'm really thankful to Him, and also to my family, friends, the BCCI, and all my teammates who have been really supportive.
(On playing in front of a packed crowd) Definitely. The fans have been our biggest support. Hopefully, we'll be able to entertain them.
(On the team changes) Shreyanka is missing because of her injury. In her place, Prema is going to make her debut. We also have one more change, with Kranti resting today and Arundhati replacing her.
(On her message to debutant Prema) I just told her to enjoy the occasion. I think I'm more nervous playing my 200th game than she is making her debut. She looks very calm, and hopefully she'll enjoy it."
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.jpg?type=mq "Virat Kohli On His Test Return")
