Cricket fans in Hampshire are counting down to the start of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the first fixtures at the Hampshire Bowl, as Utilita Bowl will be known for the tournament, taking place next week.

The tournament, which runs from Friday 12 June to Sunday 5 July, will see 33 matches played across England and Wales, bringing the world’s best players to some of the country’s most iconic venues. 

For Southampton, the action begins on Saturday 13 June, when West Indies Women face New Zealand Women under lights at the Hampshire Bowl, marking the first of six matches to be staged at the venue.

New Zealand will be based out of Southampton for the tournament. 

Just days later, a blockbuster double-header arrives on Tuesday 16 June, featuring New Zealand v Sri Lanka followed by England Women taking on Ireland, giving local fans the chance to see the host nation in action on home soil. 

The Hampshire Bowl will host six matches in total, including a Friday night clash on 19 June between New Zealand and Ireland, and a double-header on Saturday 20 June between Australia v Netherlands and Pakistan v Bangladesh.

With the competition expanded to 12 teams, the event is set to generate unprecedented exposure for women’s cricket and for the region itself.

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt believes the tournament could be a defining moment for the sport. She said: “World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different — it has the potential to be truly game-changing. Playing on home soil, against the best players in the world, it’s going to be unmissable.” 

The tournament opens at Edgbaston on Friday 12 June, before travelling across the country, with matches also taking place in Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and London.

The semi-finals will be held at The Oval, with the final taking place at Lord’s on Sunday 5 July. 

Tournament Director Beth Barrett-Wild said the competition represents more than just elite sport. She said: “This is an opportunity to turn a month of sporting excellence into a movement that will inspire women and girls across the country.”

Tickets are now on sale for all fixtures, with strong demand already reported. Fans are being encouraged to secure seats early to avoid missing out on major fixtures in Southampton, by visiting www.utilitabowl.com. 

Full fixtures at Hampshire Bowl:

Saturday June 13: West Indies v New Zealand, 18:30 

Tuesday June 16: New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 14:30

Tuesday June 16: England v Ireland,18:30 

Friday June 19: New Zealand v Ireland, 18:30 

Saturday June 20: Australia v Netherlands, 10:30