The intensity shifts to the nation's capital as Australia Women and India Women lock horns in the 2nd WT20I of this high-profile series. Set under the lights at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on February 19, 2026, this match could be the series-definer.
With the 1st T20I in Sydney setting the tone, both teams arrive in Canberra with a point to prove. For Australia, it's about defending their home turf in the first series under the full-time T20I captaincy of Sophie Molineux. For India, the World Cup champions are looking to cement their status as the new "Queens of Cricket" by securing a series win on Australian soil. You can catch the action live on Willow by Cricbuzz.
Head-to-Head: The Canberra Chapter Manuka Oval has historically been a happy hunting ground for the Aussies, but India has shown they can exploit the slightly slower nature of this track with their elite spin attack.
Overall T20I Record: Australia leads 26-7.
Manuka Oval Form: Australia is notoriously difficult to beat in Canberra, but India's recent World Cup semi-final victory over the Aussies has shattered the psychological barrier.
Team Form & Recent Results Australia Women (W-W-L-W-W) The Proteas of the South are embracing a "New Era." While legend Alyssa Healy is present (saving her final farewell for the ODIs and Test), the T20I side is officially Sophie Molineux's team now.
Series Status: Transitioning after the 2025 World Cup cycle.
Selection News: Speedster Darcie Brown and the aggressive Grace Harris remain the primary threats in the shorter format.
Recent: Australia is looking to bounce back after losing their world title to India last year.
India Women (W-W-W-W-W) The "Women in Blue" are currently untouchable. Fresh off a 5-0 sweep of Sri Lanka and a 2025 World Cup trophy, Harmanpreet Kaur's side is playing with a level of confidence never seen before in Indian women's cricket.
Selection: The squad remains settled, with Shreyanka Patil and Bharti Fulmali making successful returns to the T20 setup.
Milestone: Smriti Mandhana enters this match having recently crossed the 4,000-run mark in T20Is.
Recent: Defeated Sri Lanka 5-0 (Jan 2026).
Players in Focus Sophie Molineux (Australia): The new captain. Her left-arm orthodox and tactical acumen will be tested as she tries to out-think a rampaging Indian middle order.
Jemimah Rodrigues (India): The "Aussie-Slayer." Following her match-winning performance in the 2025 World Cup semi-final against Australia, she remains the most vital cog in India's tactical wheel.
Ashleigh Gardner (Australia): The world's top-ranked T20 all-rounder. Her ability to take the game away in a matter of 15 balls makes her the most feared player in the Australian lineup.
Renuka Singh Thakur (India): The master of the new-ball swing. At Manuka Oval, where the evening breeze can assist movement, her opening spell against Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll will be match-defining.