Utilita bowl set to host six games in next year's Women's T20 World Cup
A general view of action between England Women and New Zealand Women during the first T20 (Image: PA)
SOUTHAMPTON'S Utilita Bowl will host six games at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2026.
Utilita Bowl, which will be referred to as Hampshire Bowl for the duration of the tournament, will host its six games across four days of the tournament.
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Two double-headers are set to be held at the venue, and the first game will be West Indies Women v New Zealand Women on Saturday, June 13.
The home of cricket in Hampshire will then host a double header on Tuesday, June 16 when New Zealand face Sri Lanka, followed by England's face-off against a qualifying team.
The venue's final three fixtures take place in quick succession, with a Friday night fixture on June 19, followed by a double header on Saturday, June 20.
The three games will see New Zealand, Australia and Pakistan taking on three teams yet to qualify.
The tournament opens with England taking on Sri Lanka under lights at Edgbaston on Friday, June 12.
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England Women's captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, said: 'World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different — it has the potential to be truly game-changing.
It's going to be a huge moment for our sport and a brilliant opportunity to inspire young people and captivate fans across the country.
"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.'
The newly expanded competition will see 12 teams descend on England and Wales in 2026.
Eight countries are already sure of their place, with the final four participants to be decided through an ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier next year.
England and Wales were awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in 2022, with the seven host venues selected subsequently following evaluation of various criteria.
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