Australia Champions will square off against South Africa Champions in their second game of the World Championship of Legends 2026 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 9. The contest promises to be an exciting battle between two teams packed with former international stars and experienced T20 campaigners.

Australia Champions began their WCL 2026 campaign against India Champions, suffering a 46-run defeat in Sharjah. David Warner’s side will therefore be keen to bounce back strongly against the defending champions. The Australians were subsequently scheduled to face Pakistan Champions, but that fixture was cancelled.

The current Australia Champions squad features several established names, including David Warner, Chris Lynn, Usman Khawaja, D’Arcy Short, Ben Dunk, Andrew Tye and Kane Richardson.

With Australia needing a strong performance to get their campaign back on track, here is the predicted playing XI for their clash against South Africa Champions.

1. David Warner

David Warner is expected to open the innings and lead the batting charge for Australia Champions. The former Australia opener remains one of the most destructive left-handed batters in T20 cricket and can put the opposition under pressure during the powerplay.

Warner’s aggressive approach will be particularly important against South Africa’s experienced bowling attack. He will need to make the most of the fielding restrictions and provide Australia with a fast start.

2. D’Arcy Short

D’Arcy Short is likely to partner Warner at the top of the order. The left-hander was Australia’s leading run-scorer after their opening fixture, having made 65 runs in the tournament according to the latest form data.

Short’s ability to attack both pace and spin makes him an important player in the powerplay. His partnership with Warner could give Australia the ideal combination of experience and attacking intent.

3. Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn could slot into the No. 3 position and provide Australia with another explosive batting option. Known for his ability to clear the boundary with ease, Lynn can change the momentum of an innings within a few deliveries.

Against South Africa’s quality spin options, particularly Imran Tahir, Lynn’s ability to find boundaries could prove crucial.

4. Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja is another experienced option who could strengthen the middle order. Although better known for his success in red-ball cricket, Khawaja has considerable experience in limited-overs cricket and can play the anchor role if Australia lose early wickets.

His ability to rotate the strike could also allow the likes of Lynn and Ben Dunk to attack from the other end.

5. Ben Dunk (wk)

Ben Dunk is expected to take the wicketkeeping duties while providing Australia with another powerful left-handed batting option. His experience in franchise T20 cricket makes him a valuable middle-order player.

Dunk’s role could become especially important during the final overs, where his clean hitting can help Australia finish an innings strongly.

6. Nathan Reardon

Nathan Reardon could occupy the No. 6 position and provide Australia with another option capable of accelerating the scoring rate.

The left-hander can contribute useful runs in the middle and lower order and gives the side additional batting depth. His role could become increasingly important if Australia are forced to rebuild after losing wickets in the middle overs.

7. Andrew Tye

Andrew Tye could provide Australia with valuable all-round depth while primarily contributing with the ball. The experienced campaigner has built a reputation for his variations, particularly his slower deliveries and change-ups.

His ability to bowl effectively during the death overs could make him an important weapon against South Africa’s powerful batting lineup.

8. Kane Richardson

Kane Richardson is likely to spearhead the Australian pace attack. His experience in T20 cricket and ability to bowl variations make him a strong option in the middle and death overs.

Richardson’s ability to take wickets rather than simply contain the opposition could be crucial against a South African batting lineup featuring AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis.

9. Ben Laughlin

Ben Laughlin could retain his place in the bowling attack after emerging as Australia’s leading wicket-taker following their opening game, with two wickets to his name.

His slower-ball variations can be particularly effective on Sharjah’s slower surfaces, where taking pace off the ball can make stroke-making difficult.

10. Ben Hilfenhaus

Ben Hilfenhaus could complete the pace attack. The former Australia seamer brings international experience and the ability to bowl disciplined spells with the new ball.

His challenge will be to prevent South Africa’s aggressive top order from establishing momentum during the powerplay.

11. Fawad Ahmed

Fawad Ahmed could be Australia’s specialist spin option. The leg-spinner’s variations could prove particularly useful in Sharjah, where spinners can play an important role as the innings progresses.

His battle against South Africa’s experienced middle order could be one of the key tactical contests of the match.

Predicted Australia Champions Playing XI vs South Africa Champions