Six-time champion Australia was dealt a blow in its efforts of chasing a seventh title after key players Phoebe Litchfield and Ashleigh Gardner were ruled out for the upcoming matches with injury.

The news broke during toss time of the group-stage match between Australia and Banglades. Aussie skipper Sophie Molineux revealed that opener Litchfield is nursing an “acute quad injury”, and could miss the next three games. However, she could recover in time for the clash against India on June 28.

Meanwhile, Gardner missed the Bangladesh match with a sprained ankle.

Megan Schutt and Grace Harris were named as replacements for Wednesday’s match as Australia went on to ease past Bangladesh with a nine-wicket win.

Australia currently sits second in Group A, just behind India which thrashed debutant Netherlands by 95 runs.

Published on Jun 18, 2026