Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener

England team celebrate the dismissal of Pakistan's Omaima Sohail (not in picture) during the Women's Cricket World Cup match between England and Pakistan at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 24, 2022. (AFP/File)
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Updated 18 June 2025
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Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener

  • Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14
  • Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan

Hosts England will kick off their 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12 while holders New Zealand begin their title defense against the West Indies a day later, the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday.

Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, two-times runners-up South Africa, 2020 finalists India and Pakistan, as well as two teams from the Global Qualifier tournament.

New Zealand, 2009 champions England, Sri Lanka, 2016 winners West Indies and the other two teams from the Global Qualifier are in Group 2.

The top two teams from Group 1 and Group 2 will advance to the semifinals of the biennial T20 international tournament, which will be contested by 12 teams for the first time.

“World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different – it has the potential to be truly game-changing,” England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said in a statement.

“Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, it’s going to be unmissable. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14.

Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground and Lord’s are the other venues.

The final will take place at Lord’s on July 5.


Saudi golf professionals sign new partnerships with SAL

Updated 18 sec ago
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Saudi golf professionals sign new partnerships with SAL

  • By sponsoring Khalid Attieh and Faisal Salhab, SAL is reinforcing its commitment to nurturing talent
  • Last Friday saw conclusion of 2025 SAL Golf Cup at scenic Nofa Golf Resort

RIYADH: SAL Logistics Services have announced the signing of sponsorship agreements with Saudi professional golfers Khalid Attieh and Faisal Salhab. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Dirab Golf & Country Club in Riyadh, attended by Rayan Al-Bakri, chief strategy, development & execution of SAL, and the athletes.

Under the partnerships, the national provider of logistics solutions will support the professional journeys of the athletes by equipping them with the necessary resources, providing an integrated marketing and media platform that highlights their presence in tournaments and sporting events, and enabling them to represent the SAL brand in local and international championships. The players will also take part in joint initiatives that promote the connection between sports and the logistics and supply chain ecosystem.

With the new sponsorship of Attieh and Salhab, SAL is aiming to reinforce its commitment to nurturing national talent and promoting global sportsmanship.

Al-Bakri said: “We are proud to sponsor a distinguished group of Saudi golfers who represent the Kingdom in major regional and international tournaments. These partnerships reinforce our belief in the importance of investing in national talent and linking their sporting achievements to the Kingdom’s transformational journey toward becoming a global center across multiple sectors, including sports and logistics, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

Last Friday saw the conclusion of the 2025 SAL Golf Cup at the scenic Nofa Golf Resort. The event wrapped up a full year of monthly competitions that brought together more than 100 golfers and strengthened the local golf community across the Kingdom.

This year’s champions were crowned based on cumulative points earned throughout the season. Gerard Hattie claimed the Division A title with 1,510 points, while Mark Day secured the Division B championship with 1,300 points, both demonstrating consistency and strong performance throughout the year.

The event also featured Saudi professional golfer Othman Al-Mulla, sponsored by SAL, who took part in the tournament and presented additional prizes to the competition winners, adding a professional and inspiring touch to the celebration.