The Women's T20 World Cup kicks off Friday at Edgbaston, with hosts England opening against Sri Lanka. Twelve teams split into two groups of six, the top two from each advance to the semi‑finals before a Lord’s final on 5 July. Former England spinner Alex Hartley supplies a team‑by‑team guide, naming a player to watch and her prediction for every side.

Group One houses defending champions Australia, 2024 winners India and South Africa, plus Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Hartley rates Australia as favorites but says they must shake off recent semi‑final defeats; she crowns India champions, citing their powerful batting line‑up and WPL experience. South Africa, after three straight final losses, could surprise with fast bowler Shabnim Ismail back in the attack.

Group Two features England under coach Charlotte Edwards, New Zealand, West Indies, Scotland, Ireland and Sri Lanka. Hartley spots all‑rounder Freya Kemp as England’s talisman and predicts they will finish runners‑up. New Zealand, the surprise 2024 champions, are tagged as group‑stage exits, while West Indies remain capable of an upset but likely fall in the semis. The tournament promises high stakes for rankings and women’s cricket growth.