Australia Champions will face West Indies Champions in Semi-Final 2 of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 16. With a place in the final at stake, both teams will be eager to deliver a complete performance in this knockout encounter. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM UAE time (9 PM IST). 

Australia will take confidence from their previous meeting against West Indies, having registered a 36-run victory in the league stage. The Australians successfully defended a target of 119 runs in that match, demonstrating their ability to apply pressure with the ball. However, West Indies have several experienced campaigners capable of changing the game with their explosive batting and varied bowling attack. 

The Australian management is likely to rely on a combination of aggressive top-order batters, experienced middle-order players and proven T20 specialists. 

Here is the predicted playing XI of Australia Champions for Semi-Final 2 of WCL 2026:

Top order: David Warner and Usman Khawaja

David Warner is expected to lead Australia’s batting charge at the top of the order. The left-hander’s aggressive approach and experience in T20 cricket make him a major asset in a high-pressure knockout game. Warner can put bowlers on the defensive during the powerplay and provide the quick start Australia will need against West Indies.

Usman Khawaja could partner Warner, offering a slightly different approach. His ability to rotate the strike and find gaps can complement Warner’s attacking style. If the pair builds a solid opening partnership, Australia will have a platform from which their middle order can accelerate.

Chris Lynn is another important option in the top order. Known for his power-hitting, Lynn can change the momentum of an innings within a few overs. Australia will hope he can capitalise on a good start and put pressure on West Indies’ fast bowlers.

Middle order: Callum Ferguson and D’Arcy Short

Callum Ferguson is likely to provide stability in the middle order. His experience can help Australia recover if they lose early wickets, while his ability to rotate the strike will be important against West Indies’ spin options.

D’Arcy Short offers a combination of aggressive batting and useful bowling. His left-handed strokeplay can disrupt bowling plans, particularly during the middle overs. Short’s ability to contribute with the ball also gives Australia additional flexibility when the captain needs to change the attack.

Ben Dunk could take responsibility behind the stumps and provide power-hitting lower down the order. Jonathan Wells is another useful option who can rotate the strike and accelerate when required. Australia will need these middle-order players to build partnerships rather than leave too much responsibility to the top order.

All-rounder and bowling attack

Nathan Coulter-Nile is expected to provide balance as a seam-bowling all-rounder. His ability to contribute with the bat and bowl at different stages of the innings makes him valuable in a knockout match. He could be particularly important if Australia need quick runs at the death.

Andrew Tye and Kane Richardson are likely to lead the pace attack. Tye’s variations and slower deliveries can make him effective in the middle and death overs, while Richardson’s accuracy and ability to bowl hard lengths could help Australia secure early breakthroughs.

Fawad Ahmed could complete the attack as the specialist leg-spinner. His variations may prove useful against West Indies’ aggressive batters, who often look to attack spin during the middle overs. Australia will need him to maintain control and avoid offering easy scoring opportunities.

This is a predicted XI based on the available squad and previous combinations. The official playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.