The final day of pool-stage action at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games delivered plenty of drama as teams battled for playoff positions and semi-final berths.
Malawi Secure Seventh/Eighth Place Playoff Spot
The opening match featured Malawi and Tonga, both entering the contest level on two points and fighting for fourth place in Pool A.
The game was tightly contested from the outset, with neither side able to establish a significant lead during the opening half. Malawi gradually found their rhythm late in the second quarter, edging ahead by three goals before extending their advantage to four by the final break.
Despite Tonga’s determined efforts to close the gap, the Malawi Queens maintained control in the closing stages to claim a 55–49 victory and secure their place in the seventh/eighth place playoff.
Uganda Overcome Scotland to Finish Third in Pool B
Hosts Scotland faced Uganda in a crucial clash to determine third place in Pool B.
Both teams were highly efficient in attack during the first half, but Uganda’s defensive pressure proved decisive. Goal Defence Gloria Ayaa produced an outstanding performance, collecting three gains and three interceptions to disrupt Scotland’s attacking flow and help Uganda build a commanding 36–22 halftime lead.
The Thistles responded strongly after the break, winning the second half by two goals and showing tremendous resilience in front of their home crowd. However, Uganda’s first-half dominance proved too much to overcome as the She Cranes secured a 65–56 victory and a place in the fifth/sixth place playoff.
Silver Ferns Finish Pool Play Unbeaten
New Zealand entered their final pool match against Trinidad & Tobago looking to maintain their perfect record, while their opponents were searching for a breakthrough win.
The Silver Ferns immediately took control, showcasing their class across all areas of the court. Trinidad & Tobago struggled to find scoring opportunities, taking almost eight minutes to register their first goal.
Defender Carys Stythe was exceptional, recording seven gains, four interceptions, and a deflection during an impressive first-half display.
New Zealand’s dominance continued throughout the match as they cruised to an emphatic 83–23 victory, topping Pool B and recording their highest-ever score against Trinidad & Tobago.
Australia Continue Unbeaten Run
World No. 1 Australia faced Northern Ireland in the next match and wasted little time asserting their authority.
The Diamonds were flawless in attack, shooting at 100% accuracy while also producing a dominant defensive performance that yielded 14 gains in the first half alone.
Australia’s relentless pressure forced Northern Ireland into numerous mistakes, allowing the Diamonds to build a substantial lead and maintain complete control throughout the contest.
A commanding 88–27 victory extended Australia’s unbeaten streak, although Northern Ireland could take some positives from recording their second-highest score ever against the Diamonds.
Jamaica Punch Semi-Final Ticket
Jamaica knew a victory over Wales would guarantee their place in the semi-finals, and after a competitive opening quarter, the Sunshine Girls took complete control.
Their defensive intensity lifted dramatically in the second period, with Shamera Sterling-Humphrey dominating loose-ball contests and helping Jamaica establish a comfortable 36–18 halftime advantage.
Latanya Wilson once again demonstrated why she is among the tournament’s most influential defenders, adding five interceptions to her impressive tally. At the other end, Brie Grierson orchestrated Jamaica’s attack superbly, finishing with 22 goal assists.
The Sunshine Girls ran away with a convincing 74–28 victory to book a semi-final showdown with Australia in a repeat of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games final.
England Claim Final Semi-Final Spot
The final match of the day featured a winner-takes-all clash between England and South Africa for the last remaining semi-final position.
South Africa made the stronger start, disrupting England’s attacking rhythm and forcing several errors through the centre third. Goal Shooter Elmere van der Berg was outstanding in the opening quarter, scoring 16 goals as the SPAR Proteas built momentum.
England responded impressively in the second quarter, with Lois Pearson playing a key role in attack. Her perfect shooting and intelligent movement created valuable space for Olivia Tchine, helping the Roses close the gap.
South Africa held a narrow one-goal lead at halftime, but England came out firing after the break. An early gain from Funmi Fadoju shifted the momentum, allowing the Roses to surge into a five-goal advantage.
Although South Africa continued to battle hard, England held firm in the closing stages to secure a crucial 58–54 victory and claim the final semi-final berth.
With the pool stages complete, the race for Commonwealth Games gold now moves into the knockout rounds, where Australia, Jamaica, New Zealand, and England remain in contention for the title.
