352. Breaking Down Three Campaigns: Australia, Bangladesh & New Zealand @ The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

In Episode 352 of Never on the Backfoot, we shift our focus to three fascinating campaigns—Australia, Bangladesh and New Zealand, each of which offered a very different story.

Australia once again proved why they remain the gold standard in women's cricket, successfully ushering in a new era under Sophie Molineux while claiming a record-extending seventh T20 World Cup title. We discuss the seamless transition in leadership, the depth of their squad, Beth Mooney's remarkable consistency, and whether this team has already laid the foundation for another period of dominance.

We then turn our attention to Bangladesh, a side that showed encouraging signs despite another early exit. From the continued rise of Marufa Akter to the promise of their spin attack, we explore the positives, the persistent batting challenges, and what Bangladesh need to bridge the gap with the world's leading teams.

Finally, we analyse New Zealand's disappointing title defence. After lifting the trophy in 2024, the White Ferns struggled to replicate that success, prompting important conversations around batting inconsistency, leadership, succession planning, and the end of a golden generation, with stalwarts Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu bidding farewell to international cricket.

Join us as we unpack the biggest talking points, standout performers, defining moments, key tactical lessons and what lies ahead for each of these teams as the next ICC cycle begins.