The 2026 Women's T20 World Cup is set to feature some of the modern-day greats of the women's game who are currently in the twilight of their careers. The upcoming tournament might well be the last chance for them to win a major trophy and end their careers on a high note.

Despite their age, these players bring a wealth of experience and the ability to change the game on their own accord. These players are not just passengers on their respective sides and will be expected to play a big role in England in the coming weeks.

Here are the 5 oldest players in Women's T20 World Cup 2026: 5. Nilakshika Silva (Sri Lanka) - 36y 258d Nilakshika de Silva (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

At the age of 36 years and 258 days, Nilakshika Silva is one of the most experienced players in the Sri Lankan squad for the Women's T20 World Cup. The right-handed batter has scored 1,217 runs from 114 matches and is currently her nation's third-highest run-scorer in international T20s. She has also taken 14 wickets for Sri Lanka in the shortest format of the game.

Despite her international exposure, Silva has not had many match-winning contributions for the Lankan outfit heading into the T20 World Cup, which could be a cause for concern for her side.

4. Harmanpreet Kaur (India) - 37y 95d Harmanpreet Kaur (Source: BCCI Women)

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur comes into the tournament with momentum behind her after becoming the first Women in Blue captain to lead her side to World Cup glory on home soil in 2025. With the right-handed batter being on the wrong side of her 30s, it is safe to assume that the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup could be her last chance to lead the Women in Blue to glory in the shortest format. 

Harmanpreet is India's most experienced player in T20I cricket, having made 197 appearances and scored 4,075 runs. She does come into the tournament with an unbeaten half-century in her last game, against England at Taunton.

3. Shabnim Ismail (South Africa) - 37y 249d Shabnim Ismail (SAF). (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Shabnim Ismail is the oldest South African player in the squad but will still be expected to play a crucial role in her side's campaign in England.

The 37-year-old has 123 wickets from 113 appearances in T20I cricket with an economy rate of just 5.77. 

Ismail, however, does not have many games under her belt before the Women's T20 World Cup. The right-arm seamer played four warm-up matches before the grand tournament, with her best performance coming against Australia, taking figures of 4 for 39 in Arundel.

2. Suzie Bates (New Zealand) - 38y 269d Suzie Bates. (Photo Source: Jan Kruger-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

The 2026 Women's T20 World Cup will be the last time one will see Suzie Bates represent New Zealand in international cricket. The right-handed batter will hang up her boots as the White Ferns' leading run-scorer in T20I cricket. She is currently on 4,720 runs from 183 matches, more than 1,000 runs ahead of second-placed Sophie Devine. 

Bates played a crucial role in helping her side secure victory at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. She ended the tournament as New Zealand's joint-highest run-scorer with 150 runs.

1. Afy Fletcher (West Indies) - 39y 87d Afy Fletcher (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Afy Fletcher will have the honour of being the oldest player at the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup at the age of 39 years and 87 days. She has 102 wickets from 108 international matches in the 20-over format, bowling at a tidy economy rate of 6.23.

Despite being close to 40, Fletcher is still one of the most important bowlers for the West Indies. She recently took a four-wicket haul against India in a warm-up game at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.