Category Uncategorized

A look at the top individual performance so far in the IPL with the help of our statistical tools

ESPNcricinfo stats team20-Apr-2021At the end of the first three rounds of matches, here is a look at some of the highlights of the IPL 2021 season so far through the lens of Smart Stats, which looks at every batting and bowling performance through the prism of match context, thus going beyond the basic metrics of runs, wickets, strike rates and economy rates.ESPNcricinfo LtdMost impactful performance in a game
Sanju Samson’s outstanding 119 from 63 balls took pole position, followed by Shikhar Dhawan’s 92 off 49 against the Punjab Kings. Although Samson’s century came in a lost cause, it was by far the best individual performance. The next highest score for Rajasthan was just 25.The most impactful bowling performance was Rahul Chahar’s 4 for 27, which helped the Mumbai Indians beat the Kolkata Knight Riders while defending a low score of 152. Chahar got his first wicket when the Knight Riders needed 81 from 68 deliveries and then dismissed the other top three batters to set up the win. Chahar’s four wickets were worth 6.34 Smart Wickets. Jaydev Unadkat’s outstanding powerplay performance against the Delhi Capitals and Shahbaz Ahmed’s three wickets in an over against the Sunrisers Hyderabad were the next-best bowling performances. The 76 runs AB de Villiers scored against the Knight Riders was the third-best batting performance.ESPNcricinfo LtdNegative impact performances
Since smart runs take into account the conditions and match context, and gives the real value of each run scored, it is possible to find out – by checking the difference between smart runs and the actual runs scored – whether an innings was beneficial or detrimental to the team.For instance, KL Rahul’s 61 from 51 deliveries against the Capitals were worth just 44 smart runs, which suggests it harmed the Kings’ cause. That is because, while Mayank Agarwal, his opening partner, scored at a strike rate of 191.66, Rahul scored at just 119.60. In the end, the Kings managed to score 195 when they were looking at close to 220 at the halfway stage, and the Capitals chased down the score in just 18.2 overs. In a match where the average strike rate was 162.6, Rahul scored at 119.60.There were two other knocks that negatively influenced a team but there were other players who compensated for it to ensure the team did not lose. Devdutt Padikkal and Ishan Kishan had an impact of -12 runs but de Villiers and Kieron Pollard made up for the slow scores of their team-mates towards the end.At the other end, David Miller’s 62 and Jonny Bairstow’s 43 were the innings that had the highest positive influence, in terms of difference between the smart runs and the runs they scored. Miller’s 62 were worth 82 smart runs while Bairstow’s 43 were worth 63 smart runs.ESPNcricinfo LtdOvers that swung the game around
ESPN’s Forecaster tool is fed with match situations, team strengths, and historic information, based on which it comes up with probabilities of a team winning. As the game progresses, these probabilities change. Here is a look at some of the instances where the win probabilities changed dramatically in an over.In their chase of 153 against Mumbai, the Knight Riders were 134 for 5 in 18 overs, needing 19 runs from 12 balls with two of the best finishers at the crease – Dinesh Karthik and Andre Russell. Their win probability was 80.15% at that stage. However, the world’s best death bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, conceded just four runs in the 19th over to decrease the win probability by 50 percentage points to 30%. Mumbai went on to win the game by 10 runs.In the game against the Kings, the Royals needed 40 runs from 18 deliveries with five wickets in hand. They had only an 18% chance of winning at that stage. However, Samson and Rahul Tewatia smashed Jhye Richardson for 19 runs to increase the win probability to 75%. Although in the end this was not enough for the Royals to win, the over had a huge change in fortunes, which the Royals could not capitalise on.Ahmed’s three-wicket over against the Sunrisers had the third-highest change in win percentages. Before the 17th over, the Sunrisers had an 80% chance of winning, while after the over, it fell down to 37%, and the Royal Challengers Bangalore won by six runs.

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has ruthlessly snubbed one of his most influential former Blues teammates when naming his all-time Premier League XI.

Football FanCast ranks Premier League's greatest-ever players

Football FanCast have now ranked the greatest players in Premier League history, and there is certainly no shortage of Chelsea players among them, with former captain John Terry named as the best centre-back to have ever played in the top flight.

Petr Cech also tops the list of goalkeepers, while Didier Drogba is regarded as the ninth-best striker in Premier League history, having maintained a fantastic record in front of goal throughout his time at Stamford Bridge, culminating in the Blues winning the 2012 Champions League final.

As such, it will come as no surprise to learn that Terry, Cech and Drogba all feature in Obi Mikel’s all-time Premier League XI, but the former central midfielder has ruthlessly snubbed one of his former teammates.

As reported by talkSPORT, the Nigerian named N’Golo Kante and Paul Scholes as his two central midfielders, leaving out Frank Lampard, and he even went on to clarify that the ex-England international wouldn’t have featured in a three-man midfield either.

Lampard undoubtedly one of the greatest Premier League midfielders

It is a little strange that the 38-year-old opted to omit his former teammate, given that the Englishman is without doubt one of the best Premier League midfielders of all time, particularly impressing on the front foot.

Club 'ready to accept' potential £52m Chelsea bid for defender wanted by Real Madrid

The Blues and Todd Boehly could make a sizeable saving in the market.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Oct 11, 2025

The Coventry City manager chipped in with a remarkable 211 goals and 149 assists in 648 professional appearances for Chelsea, cementing his place in the Premier League Hall of Fame in the process.

That said, Kante is also a fantastic choice from a more defensive point of view, given what the Frenchman achieved at Leicester City and Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the 2020-21 Champions League and the 2018-19 Europa League.

Lampard played in a golden era of midfielders, sharing the stage with the likes of Scholes and Gerrard, and a number of other former Chelsea stars, who also feature in our list of the best Premier League midfielders of all-time.

Manchester United’s midfield department has been a problem area over the last couple of months, with Ruben Amorim still yet to discover his best partnership at the heart of the side.

The 40-year-old has operated with a two-man partnership ever since he took the reins last November, with the midfielders crucial to his 3-4-2-1 system.

The likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount have often shared responsibility in starting as part of the duo, but the manager still wants reinforcements in such a position.

Kobbie Mainoo is just another option at Amorim’s disposal, but he’s often decided against utilising the Englishman, as seen by his measly tally of zero starts in the Premier League this campaign.

As a result, INEOS have been tasked with identifying potential options during the January transfer window to try and provide a long-term fix to the issues in the midfield department.

Man Utd’s hunt for new additions during January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been one of the Premier League clubs interested in a move to land Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

It’s been reported that Amorim’s men have already held talks with Sean Dyche’s side over a potential move, but it could be an expensive one, with a £100m price tag currently being mooted.

They aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 23-year-old, with rivals Manchester City also said to be keeping a close eye on his progress ahead of the upcoming window.

However, Anderson isn’t the only midfielder on the Red Devils’ radar, with Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham another option INEOS are reportedly considering.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men have made a €150m (£130m) bid for the England international in an attempt to solve their current issues.

The report also states that his current employers aren’t looking to offload him at present, which could make a deal somewhat tricky to complete in the near future.

Why Bellingham would be perfect for Bruno Fernandes

Despite being an attacking midfielder, Bruno Fernandes has been asked to play in a somewhat deeper midfield role in United’s squad this season – often partnering Casemiro at the heart of the side.

However, it hasn’t stopped the Portuguese international from starring at the heart of the side, as seen by his excellent goals and assists tally in the Premier League.

In his first 15 appearances of the league campaign, he’s already registered ten combined goals and assists, with three of his efforts coming at Wolves on Monday night.

However, the manager is yet to strike a balance at the heart of the side, especially considering Casemiro is now 33 and set to leave at the end of his contract in the summer.

As a result, Bellingham could well be the answer to the current issue in midfield, especially if his stats from LaLiga in 2025/26 to date are anything to go by.

The numbers he’s produced showcase his remarkable box-to-box nature, which could well make him the perfect partner for Bruno at the heart of the side.

Bellingham, who’s been described as “the best midfielder in the world” by Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, has been a tad off the pace this term but he’s certainly still the best when you consider raw talent and his potential. There is a reason, after all, that Madrid trusted him to wear Zinedine Zidane’s famed number 5 shirt at the biggest club in the global game.

To illuminate his qualities, he’s completed 8.9 progressive passes per 90, all of which being made into the final third. That sounds pretty perfect for Fernandes, doesn’t it?

Games played

12

Goals & assists

5

Progressive passes

8.9

Pass accuracy

88%

Passes into final third

8.9

Tackles won

2.9

Tackle success

67%

Interceptions made

0.9

Such numbers showcase the creative nature he possesses, with such tallies potentially taking some of the strain and responsibility on Bruno to constantly provide the goods in central areas.

However, out of possession is where the 22-year-old has excelled this campaign, as seen by his tally of 2.9 tackles won per 90 – subsequently ranking him in the top 5% of all players in LaLiga.

He’s also made 0.9 interceptions and won 1.5 aerials won per 90, which also ranks him in the top 5% of midfielders – highlighting his remarkable talents out of possession.

Bellingham’s dominance is showcased in his tally of 67% of tackles entered that he’s won this season, finally ending United’s hunt for a new ball-winner if a deal can be completed.

£130m would be a remarkable amount of money spent on just one player, but the Madrid star has demonstrated world-class levels for many years despite his tender age.

The prospect of him linking up with Bruno is one to get excited about, with the pair potentially having the quality to catapult the club to a title challenge in the near future.

The new Ji-Sung Park: Man Utd star is fast becoming as important as Bruno

Manchester United have another star who is becoming as important as Bruno Fernandes.

ByEthan Lamb 6 days ago

Chelsea have opened talks with the representatives of a big-name player after their triumph over Barcelona in the Champions League, according to a fresh update on Wednesday morning.

Chelsea seal statement win over Barcelona on dream European night

Enzo Maresca’s side put in a scintillating performance at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, dismantling Barça 3-0 in a European encounter that underlined their credentials as genuine contenders for silverware this season.

Chelsea dominated from start to finish, displaying an intensity and quality that left the five-time European champions thoroughly outclassed.

The Blues flew out of the blocks with relentless energy, pressing Barcelona high and refusing to allow the Spanish side any time on the ball. Their attacking intent was evident throughout a pulsating first half that saw Chelsea create numerous opportunities, though they endured frustration as two goals were chalked off for offside and handball before finally breaking through.

The first goal arrived when Marc Cucurella’s dangerous cross deflected off Jules Koundé, giving Chelsea a deserved advantage after 27 minutes of intense pressure.

Related As good as Estevao: £60m star is on his way to becoming "a Chelsea legend"

Estevao was the star of the show as Chelsea beat Barcelona in the Champions League.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025

It got from bad to worse for Barça, with captain Ronald Araujo receiving a second yellow card for his reckless challenge on Cucurella near the touchline. The sending-off proved catastrophic for Hansi Flick’s side, allowing Chelsea to seize complete control after the restart.

The second half belonged to 18-year-old sensation Estevao, who produced a moment of individual brilliance that will be remembered for years in west London.

Collecting the ball wide on the right, the Brazilian winger embarked on a mesmeric dribble, gliding past Pau Cubarsí before cutting across Alejandro Balde and unleashing an unstoppable finish into the roof of the net. The stunning strike showcased his exceptional technical ability and composure, stealing the show in a much-anticipated head-to-head with Barcelona’s own teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.

Liam Delap then rounded off a superb Chelsea display with his first Champions League goal for the club after initially seeing it chalked off, with Cucurella getting a lot of plaudits too for his exceptional display against Yamal.

Marc Cucurella’s game v Barça

Minutes

93′

Expected Assists

0.59

Tackles (Won)

5 (4)

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Blocked Shots

1

Recoveries

4

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (1)

Key Passes

1

Passes

55/63

Touches

97

All Stats via Sofascore

It was a statement win for Chelsea, who now go into their mouth-watering Premier League tie against Arsenal this weekend in very high spirits.

Now, according to Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, supporters could have more reason to get excited.

Chelsea reopen talks with Mike Maignan who's "very keen" to join

AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan has long been a target for Chelsea amid their hunt for an elite-level keeper, with his contract expiring at the end of this season and potentially up for grabs at zero cost.

As per Tavolieri, Chelsea have reignited negotiations with Maignan and his camp, as the French international edges closer to departing the San Siro.

BlueCo are seizing on a developing contract standoff that could see the 30-year-old leave Italy as a free agent next summer, with Maignan reportedly informing Milan that he will not sign a new deal despite the club offering improved terms that would double his current salary.

The France number one can begin formal discussions with foreign clubs from January onwards, positioning Chelsea favourably in the race for his signature.

Maresca apparently views the experienced shot-stopper as a potential solution to Chelsea’s ongoing goalkeeping concerns. While Robert Sanchez has featured regularly this season, Filip Jorgensen could leave in January, and neither have fully convinced Chelsea’s manager.

Maignan is also “very keen” on the idea of joining them, so this could be one to watch closely as we fast approach the winter window.

The former Lille star is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top shot-stoppers, with Liverpool’s Alisson describing him as a world-class keeper at a truly elite level.

Soumya Sarkar and Mahidul Islam should get into the Bangladesh XI straightaway, while Alick Athanaze is the likeliest replacement for Evin Lewis

Mohammad Isam17-Oct-2025Big picture: Nothing to separate the two teamsWest Indies are wary of the Dhaka pitch, and Bangladesh are trying to get out of their ODI funk as they face each other in the first ODI on Saturday. Ranking points are up for grabs with both teams setting their sights on automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup. And there’s little to separate them historically – they have won six bilateral ODI series each over the years.Bangladesh have to sort out a batting puzzle. Soumya Sarkar’s inclusion means Tanzid Hasan will likely have to stay on the bench. Saif Hassan is an automatic choice, though he needs to strengthen his position with a big innings. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s form is still a concern, though he is getting a longer rope than some others have got over the years.Related

'Assess, decide and deliver' – West Indies embrace the unknown in Dhaka

Keacy Carty took the stairs, not the elevator, but he's not complaining

Patience running thin amid Bangladesh's batting gloom

Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan also weren’t among the runs against Afghanistan. Mehidy Hasan Miraz has scored runs but his strike rate has come under fire in the last two ODI series. The national selectors have added Mahidul Islam to the mix, while Shamim Hossain is another middle-order option.Bangladesh’s only plus point is their bowling. The fast bowlers have been rotated smoothly, and have done well in most conditions. Spinners Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam have also been in control of proceedings for the most part. They will be licking their lips with the Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch in front of them.It will be the same for Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase, the spin twins who have brought West Indies some success in recent times. They have Shai Hope and Chase for batting experience in Bangladeshi conditions, while the likes of Brandon King, Keacy Carty, Alick Athanaze and Amir Jangoo will combine to provide the rest of the batting firepower.Jayden Seales will have good memories from the last time he played against Bangladesh, at the end of 2024. Seales was in great form against Pakistan in West Indies’ last ODI series, picking up six wickets in the third ODI.Tanvir Islam is one of the few undroppable players in the Bangladesh team•AFP/Getty ImagesForm guideBangladesh LLLLW
West Indies WWLLLIn the spotlight: Tanvir Islam and Keacy CartyTanvir Islam was one of Bangladesh’s rare consistent performers in the Afghanistan series. He took just four wickets but produced good spells in all three matches. His magic delivery to Azmatullah Omarzai in the third game highlighted his improved quality as a left-arm spinner. He is also one of the few automatic choices in the current ODI setup.It’s early days, but Keacy Carty has provided West Indies with stability at No 3. He averages more than 50 with 1100-plus runs at the position. Carty has the shots to keep him finding the boundary regularly, but also has the percentage game. Centuries in Ireland and England are evidence that he can play in different conditions.Alick Athanaze should replace Evin Lewis in the West Indies XI•AFP/Getty ImagesTeam news: Soumya, Mahidul could enter XISoumya and Mahidul might slot into Bangladesh’s line-up after being called up for the series.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Soumya Sarkar, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Mahidul Islam, 5 Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), 6 Jaker Ali, 7 Nurul Hasan (wk), 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Nahid Rana, 10 Tanvir Islam, 11 Hasan Mahmud.Athanaze is the most likely batter to replace Evin Lewis from West Indies’ last ODI against Pakistan in August. They also have Jangoo, Ackeem Auguste and Khary Pierre as allrounders.West Indies (probable): 1 Brandon King, 2 Alick Athanaze, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase, 7 Gudakesh Motie, 8 Justin Greaves, 9 Romario Shepherd, 10 Shamar Joseph, 11 Jayden Seales.Pitch and conditionsA sneak peek of the Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch the day before the first ODI revealed a dark surface, which strongly suggests slow turn and a bit of low bounce. There is light rain forecast on an otherwise warm day.Stats and trivia Only Hope and Chase from the current West Indies squad have played ODIs in Bangladesh. Bangladesh have lost their last five ODI series dating back to November last year. In that time, they have only won two of their 14 matches.

Manchester United’s summer transfer window has, in many ways, been a success so far. Benjamin Sesko has already scored a couple of Premier League goals, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been so good that fans are already comparing him to Peter Schmeichel.

As for their two other attacking signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both players have hit he ground running. Mbeumo already has six goals and assists in that famous Red shirt, which included a goal away to Liverpool.

As for Cunha, he got off the mark against Brighton and Hove Albion a couple of weeks ago.

The new attacking duo could be on their way to forming the best front line since the end of the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Why Cunha & Mbeumo can be the best post-Fergie pairing

It has certainly been a fast start to life at Old Trafford for Cunha and Mbeumo. They have both made good impressions, with the Brazilian starring without scoring too many goals, and their number 19 providing that cutting edge.

As two individual players, both attackers are quite different. Cunha is a player who loves the ball at his feet, driving forward with flair. Mbeumo is more of an inside forward, cutting inside on his left foot and always looking to score.

But it is this uniqueness that makes them so deadly as a duo.

There is certainly a case to be made that they could form part of the best frontline since Ferguson departed the club back in 2013. United have had some excellent attackers in that time.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford had an unstoppable partnership and combined for 22 goals.

Cunha and Mbeumo are only a short way into their Old Trafford career, but it is easy to see how they can become the best attacking partnership since Ferguson retired. They have a good blend of skills which work well together.

However, they are perhaps not the most Ferguson-coded players in United’s squad.

United’s most Ferguson-coded player

Living up to the legacy left by those legendary teams under Ferguson has not been easy for the Red Devils. In fact, only a handful, including the likes of Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, have really managed that.

However, someone in more recent times who has shone in a United shirt is Ivorian winger Amad. Despite operating as a wing-back under Ruben Amorim and being tasked with more defensive responsibility, he has thrived in the last few seasons.

The “explosive” winger, as Statman Dave called him, has shone at United after being given a true opportunity last season.

In 74 games for the club, he’s bagged 15 goals and assisted 14. They’ve come at a good rate, too, with the Red Devils’ number 16 averaging a goal involvement every 148 minutes.

Amad’s most recent strike came at the weekend against Nottingham Forest. It was a sensational effort to equalise for United late on, striking a first time volley sweetly with his left foot.

The former Atalanta player has picked up a habit of scoring those late goals for his side. He’s bagged ten times in the Premier League, which, according to Opta, ‘have been scored in the second half of matches, which is a competition record for most goals by a player when all of them have been netted in the second half’.

He is certainly a Ferguson-coded player. Amad has picked up a habit of scoring late goals for the Red Devils, be it winners or equalisers, like at the weekend. Of course, that was a key theme in the Ferguson era.

United used to score so many goals late on under their legendary former manager. It became such an important phase of the game for his side that stoppage time was dubbed ‘Fergie Time,’ as it is still known today.

Imagine Amad in that side under Ferguson, popping up with a last-minute goal. The Ivorian has certainly made a habit of it, and he could have been a key player late on in games back in the 26-year reign the Scot had at Old Trafford.

Amorim can end Dalot's Man Utd career by unleashing £48m "monster"

This Man Utd ace will be back from injury soon

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 5, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts said all the right things after one of the more bizarre incidents in World Series history took place at Yankee Stadium in Game 4. And really, he didn't say all that much after some overzealous fans manhandled him in equal parts comedic and troubling fashion.

“When it comes to the person and play, it doesn’t matter," Betts told reporters after the Dodgers lost Game 4, "We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine, he’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game, that’s what I’m kind of focused on. We got to turn the page and get ready for tomorrow."

After helping Los Angeles make history by becoming the first team to claw back from a five-run deficit to clinch a World Series crown, Betts was asked by FOX's David Ortiz about the incident and could finally speak freely.

'That was wild, man," Betts said. "That was really wild. I’ve never experienced anything like that. I was telling my wife, that was like the second time in my life I’ve ever wanted to fight someone. I get it, man. I get it. I don’t know if he was trying to get the ball, I don’t know what he was really trying to do but he had to do what he had to do and it is what it is."

Winning is the best because no one can say anything about it and you can finally say how you really feel. Betts wanting to respond in the moment highlights just how ridicuous the situation was. These two fans were—and still are—being treated as fun new celebrities whereas Betts would have had his career altered forever had he grabbed them back. And that's why it was so ridiculous it took so long for adults in the room to come out and say they wouldn't be welcomed back for Game 5.

All is well that ends well, though. Betts is a champion and the interferers get to be on podcasts. A win-win for all involved, except the Yankees.

MatériaMais Notícias

O mês de setembro será um pouco atípico para o torcedor palmeirense que está acostumado a ir ao Allianz Parque assistir aos jogos do Verdão.

RelacionadasPalmeirasZerado nos últimos dois jogos, Palmeiras encontra rival de maior goleada em 2023Palmeiras13/09/2023PalmeirasLíder em estatística no Palmeiras e no Brasileirão, Endrick reencontra vítima do primeiro turnoPalmeiras13/09/2023PalmeirasGoleiro Mateus celebra retorno ao Palmeiras e comenta período na Europa: ‘Experiência de vida’Palmeiras12/09/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

O time de Abel Ferreira enfrenta o Goiás nesta sexta-feira (15), naquele que será o único jogo do Palmeiras dentro de casa neste mês.

A partida diante do Esmeraldino também será a despedida do Verdão de seu torcedor antes do duelo diante do Boca Juniors, pela semifinal da Copa Libertadores 2023.

continua após a publicidade

O Palmeiras só volta ao Allianz Parque justamente no duelo de volta da semifinal da Libertadores, contra o Boca, no dia 5 de outubro.

A última partida do Verdão dentro de casa foi contra o Deportivo Pereira, no empate em 0 a 0 pelas quartas de finais da Libertadores.

O Palmeiras tem números bem positivos dentro do Allianz nesta temporada. Em 24 jogos disputados, foram 17 vitórias, cinco empates e apenas duas derrotas, com 46 gols marcados e 15 gols sofridos.

+ Ex-olheiro do Real Madrid questiona idade de Endrick: ‘Sempre tive dúvidas’

Há quatro jogos sem sofrer gols no Allianz Parque, o Verdão tenta encerrar a temporada alcançando a impressionante marca de 12 jogos sem ser vazado dentro de casa que já conquistou neste ano.

continua após a publicidade

India play Pakistan on June 14 and Australia on June 28. The final is at Lord’s on July 5

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jun-2025The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled from June 12 to July 5, will have Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan and two qualifiers in Group 1, while Group 2 includes hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka and two more qualifiers. The semi-finals will be played at The Oval, while the final is scheduled at Lord’s.The 33-match tournament will take place across seven venues in England over 24 days. The tournament will have 12 teams, up from 10 in the previous edition in 2024. Apart from The Oval and Lord’s, matches will also be held at Old Trafford, Headingley, Southampton, Bristol and Edgbaston and will have three different start times: 10.30am, 2.30pm and 6.30pm local.The opening match will be played between England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12. In a rematch of last edition’s semi-final, New Zealand begin their title defence against West Indies in Southampton on June 13 while Australia start their campaign against 2024 finalists South Africa on the same day in Manchester. India face Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 14.Other key Group 1 fixtures for India are against South Africa (June 21) in Manchester and Australia (June 28) at Lord’s. Pakistan take on South Africa (June 17) at Edgbaston and Australia (June 23) at Headingley. The Australia vs India fixture will be the final group-stage match of the competition.In Group 2, England will play matches across five venues, the most of any team. They take on West Indies (June 24) at Lord’s and New Zealand (June 27) at The Oval. Sri Lanka face New Zealand (June 16) in Southampton and West Indies (June 21) in Bristol.The top two teams from each group will make the semi-finals to be held on June 30 and July 2. The winners will meet for the title clash at Lord’s on July 5.Hosts England and the top five teams from the 2024 edition (Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies) qualified automatically for the edition. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who were the two next highest-ranked teams on the ICC Women’s T20I rankings table on October 21 that year, made the cut too.The remaining four teams will come from the global qualifiers scheduled for early 2026. Bangladesh, Scotland, USA, Nepal and Thailand have already qualified for that ten-team competition. The Europe, Africa and East Asia-Pacific qualifiers are yet to be completed.