Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner miss Bangladesh clash with respective injuries

As the toss for Match 9 of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 happened, Australia skipper Sophie Molineux confirmed that there were two forced changes to their playing XI for the clash against Bangladesh, with star cricketers Ashleigh Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield having to sit out. While Gardner has been going through discomfort due to an ankle sprain, Litchfield is out due to an acute quad injury.

Cricket Australia confirmed the development ahead of the clash, while Molineux orally formalised the same. Grace Harris and Megan Schutt have made their way into the playing XI as replacements for the injured duo.

“We’ll have a bowl. Just having a look at the pitch, a little bit soft on top. Hopefully we’ll get the best of it with our seamers. The outfield looks a lot faster. This is a beautiful ground; I’ve never been here before,” Molineux said at the toss.

The Australia captain further mentioned that Gardner, also the vice-captain of the side, is expected to fully recover from her sore ankle ahead of the next game and is expected to return to the field.

“Two changes: Phoebe Litchfield and Ash Gardner are out, and Grace Harris and Megan Schutt are in. Just a couple of injuries. So yeah, Phoebe’s got a new quad injury. She’ll be out until, hopefully, the India match. Poor Ash had a bit of a fall, the old girl. Sprained ankle; will be fine for the next game,” she added.

AUS W vs BAN W: Playing XIs

Australia Women

Beth Mooney (wk), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Nicola Carey, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt

Bangladesh Women

Dilara Akter Dola, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Nigar Sultana Joty (c) (wk), Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Marufa Akter