Who is the new captain for the Australian team?

Sophie Molineux is the new captain for Australia.

Where is the first T20 match being played?

The first T20 match is being played in Sydney.

India Wins Toss, Bowls First Against Australia in First T20 Match

Q: Who won the toss in the Australia vs. India T20 match?

India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, won the toss.

Series Commencement Amidst Transition and Drizzle

The first T20 International match between Australia and India, commencing a three-match series on February 15, 2026, is underway in Sydney. This match marks a significant period for Australian women's cricket, with Sophie Molineux taking over as captain following the retirement of Alyssa Healy. Reports indicate the presence of drizzle in Sydney, which initially caused a delay in the coin toss. India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, won the toss and opted to field first. Both teams have presented their squads for the series, with Australia featuring players like Phoebe Litchfield, Grace Harris, and Nicola Carey, who have concluded recent Women's Premier League (WPL) seasons.

Australia v India: women’s T20 cricket international – live - 1

Squads and Match Details

Confirmed Rosters for the Series

The Indian squad includes players such as Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh, with Harmanpreet Kaur as captain. The Australian team comprises Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Georgia Voll, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Kim Garth, Sophie Molineux (captain), Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Grace Harris, Nicola Carey, and Georgia Wareham. Vaishnavi Sharma is noted as a debutant for the Indian squad.

Australia v India: women’s T20 cricket international – live - 2

Australia Women's Squad: Sophie Molineux (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
India Women's Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Shreyanka Patil.

Match Timings and Broadcast

The matches are scheduled to commence at 1:45 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). The series is being broadcast on Star Sports Network channels in India, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website.

Australia v India: women’s T20 cricket international – live - 3

Historical Performance and Current Standing

Head-to-Head Record

The two teams have a notable history, having played 35 T20I matches against each other. Australia holds a dominant record, with 26 wins compared to India's 7. One match resulted in a tie, and one had no result.

Australia v India: women’s T20 cricket international – live - 4

ICC Rankings

India enters the series as the world's third-ranked T20I team, while hosts Australia are ranked number one.

Toss and Fielding Decision

In the first T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and made the decision to field first. This choice aligns with India's strategy in their recent warm-up game, where they also opted to bowl. Australia, under new captain Sophie Molineux, is focused on regaining its prominent position in the sport.

Toss Winner: India
Decision: To bowl first
Opposing Captain: Sophie Molineux (Australia)

Transition in Australian Leadership

The series marks a new chapter for Australian women's cricket with Sophie Molineux at the helm. Her appointment as captain signals a shift in leadership following Alyssa Healy's distinguished career. Molineux has articulated her vision for the team's ambition to reclaim its leading status.

India's Recent Form

India had a successful warm-up game prior to the series, defeating the Governor-General XI at North Sydney. This victory preceded the current T20I engagement, which follows their win in the ODI World Cup late last year.

Broadcasting and Streaming Information

Live Telecast: Star Sports Network (India)
Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website (India)
TV Channels: Star Sports 3, Star Sports Select 1 SD and HD channels.

India Wins Toss, Bowls First Against Australia in First T20 Match

Series Commencement Amidst Transition and Drizzle