Australia vs South Africa Women T20 World Cup Preview & Tips - Australia to pass early CWC test against South Africa

South Africa Women can make a major statement in their opening game if they can stun the favourites to triumph at the tournament. 

The Aussies have won each of their last five matches, while they have secured eight wins across their last 10, only losing to India in this time. Their last outing was yet another example of their ability with bat and ball as they bowled the West Indies out for 131 before cruising to their target with six wickets and 30 deliveries to spare. 

The ease at which they stormed to a win over a potentially tricky opponent in the Windies was impressive, and they will be very confident that they can beat South Africa in their opener. There is also the added incentive of beating an opponent they have lost two of their last three T20's against. With this in mind, I am backing the Aussies to secure a crucial win in their opener as they hand South Africa a defeat. 

This defeat saw a two-game winning run brought to a grinding halt as South Africa saw their score of 183/5 chased down. Laura Wolvaardt (43 from 27) continued to score runs as most of South Africa's top order fired. Ultimately, they were undone by a scoring rate that proved slightly too slow as New Zealand won the match with two deliveries remaining. 

The 2026 World Cup may yet prove a tournament where 20 wickets do not fall in every game. This means restricting the opposition is vital. This is something South Africa struggled to do against New Zealand and I predict that this will be the case in their opening World Cup game. 

Indeed, Australia possess a batting line-up that can smash any bowling unit to all corners, and I predict that this will be the case in their opener.