West Indies Champions will face Australia 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, the Caribbean side will look to combine its trademark power-hitting with an experienced bowling attack to overcome a formidable Australian team. The match is scheduled for 7:30 PM UAE time (9 PM IST).

West Indies have several familiar names in their squad, including Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons, Andre Fletcher, Dwayne Bravo and Carlos Brathwaite. Their experience in T20 cricket could be valuable in a knockout contest, where one explosive batting performance or a decisive bowling spell can change the result.

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

Top order: Chris Gayle and Lendl Simmons

Chris Gayle is expected to lead the batting charge at the top of the order. The left-hander’s reputation as an explosive T20 batter makes him a major threat to Australia’s bowling attack. His ability to clear the boundary and dominate the powerplay could help West Indies establish a strong platform.

Gayle’s approach will be particularly important against Australia’s new-ball bowlers. If he finds his timing early, he can force the opposition captain to alter field placements and bowling plans. However, Australia will look to exploit any early movement and avoid giving him deliveries in his preferred hitting areas.

Lendl Simmons could partner Gayle at the top. Simmons offers experience and the ability to rotate the strike while maintaining an attacking scoring rate. A solid opening partnership would allow West Indies to build momentum before their powerful middle order takes over.

Chadwick Walton is another useful batting option and could be deployed higher or lower in the order depending on the team’s strategy. His wicketkeeping ability also provides flexibility in team selection.

Middle order: Jermaine Blackwood and Dwayne Bravo

Jermaine Blackwood could be entrusted with responsibility in the middle order. His role would be to keep the innings moving if West Indies lose an early wicket and provide a bridge between the openers and the power-hitters.

Dwayne Bravo is likely to be one of the most influential players in the semi-final. His experience in franchise T20 competitions makes him a valuable option in pressure situations. Bravo can contribute with the bat during the closing overs and use his variations to trouble Australian batters with the ball.

Andre Russell could provide the explosive hitting West Indies need in the latter half of the innings. His power makes him capable of changing the game in a short period, while his seam bowling offers another option for the captain. Carlos Brathwaite could complement Russell by adding lower-order hitting and another bowling option.

If these players combine effectively, West Indies will have the batting depth required to challenge Australia’s experienced attack.

All-rounders and bowling attack

Raymon Reifer could add balance as a seam-bowling all-rounder. His ability to contribute in both departments would allow West Indies to retain depth in the batting order without compromising their bowling options.

Sheldon Cottrell is expected to be one of the key fast bowlers. His left-arm angle can create problems for right-handed batters, while his ability to swing the new ball could help West Indies seek early wickets. Cottrell will need to maintain disciplined lines against Australia’s aggressive openers.

Fidel Edwards could provide pace and experience alongside Cottrell. His role would be to attack the stumps, use hard lengths and take wickets when Australia attempt to accelerate. The veteran pacer will need to be particularly careful during the death overs, when Australia’s power-hitters can punish missed yorkers.

Sulieman Benn could complete the attack as the specialist spinner. His height and left-arm orthodox bowling provide a different challenge for batters looking to dominate the middle overs. West Indies may also consider Dave Mohammed or Nikita Miller if they prefer a different spin combination.

This is a predicted XI, not the officially confirmed team. Selection may change depending on player availability and the team’s preferred combination.