England to face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women's T20 WC opener

Hosts England are set to play the opening encounter of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka. The schedule was released by the England and Wales Cricket Board on Tuesday.

The 33-match tournament will kickstart at Edgbaston on June 12, with the final to be played on July 5 at Lord's.

The 12 teams participating will be split in two groups of six each. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals, both of which will be played at the Oval on June 30 and July 2, respectively.

Group 1:

• Australia
• South Africa
• India
• Pakistan
• Qualifier
• Qualifier

Group 2:

• West Indies
• England
• New Zealand
• Sri Lanka
• Qualifier
• Qualifier

The marquee India vs Pakistan clash will also be played in Edgbaston, on June 14.

Apart from Lord's, Oval and Edgbaston, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Bristol County Ground and Hampshire Bowl will also host games of the World Cup.