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.


Southampton’s stunning fightback leaves Leicester in turmoil

Updated 11 February 2026
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Southampton’s stunning fightback leaves Leicester in turmoil

LONDON: Southampton made an incredible late comeback from three goals down to beat crisis club Leicester 4-3 in the Championship on Tuesday.
Leicester interim manager Andy King looked set for his first victory since taking charge after first-half goals from Divine Mukasa, Patson Daka and Abdul Fatawu at the King Power Stadium.
But Southampton substitute Ross Stewart reduced the deficit in the 61st minute to spark the astonishing revival.
Leicester’s brittle confidence was exposed as Jack Stephens netted in the 82nd minute and Ryan Manning equalized five minutes later.
Shea Charles struck six minutes into stoppage time to snatch the points for Southampton in dramatic fashion, leaving King’s shell-shocked side without a win in six games.
Seven years after thrashing Southampton 9-0 at St. Mary’s, Leicester hit a devastating low of their own against the Saints.
Still searching for a permanent manager following Marti Cifuentes’ sacking, Leicester are outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.
The Foxes were recently deducted six points by the Football League for breaches of financial regulations.
Birmingham missed the chance to move into the play-off places after they were held to a 0-0 draw by West Bromwich Albion at St. Andrew’s.
New West Brom boss Eric Ramsay remains winless but claimed a second successive draw to help his side move two points above the relegation zone.
Mohamed Toure hit a hat-trick as Norwich made it five wins from their last six matches with a 3-0 victory at second-bottom Oxford.