Australia may have surrendered their grip on global dominance over the past 15 months, but Ashleigh Gardner remains convinced her team are still the best in the world, and the countdown to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 has already begun.
The Aussies, who won every ODI and T20 World Cup between 2018 and 2023, are suddenly without either trophy after semi-final exits in back-to-back tournaments. But Gardner believes the gap hasn’t closed, Australia have simply fallen short in the key moments. And with the T20 World Cup set for June 2026 in England and Wales, she is determined that history will not repeat itself.
“I still believe that we’re the best team,” Gardner said.
“It’s just making sure we show that when it really matters.”
Australia’s next step on that journey comes early next year, when they face ODI World Cup champions India in a blockbuster home multi-format series, followed by another away assignment in the West Indies. Those contests will shape their World Cup readiness, but Gardner is clear: no drastic overhaul is needed. Instead, the focus is on composure, execution, and grabbing the big-match moments that slipped away.
The Aussies responded to their T20 World Cup exit last year by going ultra-aggressive, and the result was a complete Ashes domination, sweeping England across all formats. This time, the lessons are different. Dropped catches and small lapses cost them dearly in the ODI World Cup semi-final against India, and Gardner insists it’s those “little moments” that must be won.
Still ranked No.1 in the world across formats, Australia remain the benchmark, and Gardner herself is set to play a starring role, possibly even as a future captain in the next cycle. With a powerful core group, proven match-winners, and a burning desire to reclaim their throne, the message is simple:
June 2026 isn’t far away, and Australia are coming for their crown.
