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Vitality Blast 2026: Full Fixtures, Dates, and Finals Day Revealed

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  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. full-fixtures-dates-and-finals-day-revealed.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 12:02 GMT by Sky Sports

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Vitality Blast 2026 – A Comprehensive Look at Fixtures, Dates, Groups, and the Grand Finals Day

The 2026 Vitality Blast, the ECB’s premier one‑day competition, has officially released its full fixtures, dates, and day‑by‑day schedule. For the first time since the tournament’s re‑branding to “Vitality Blast” in 2022, fans can now plan their weekends around every match, from the opening clash in the East Group to the climactic Finals Day at the iconic County Ground. Below is a deep dive into what the 2026 schedule looks like, how the competition is structured, and what to expect from the action‑packed finale.

1. The Structure of the 2026 Competition

1.1 Two Groups, 11 Teams Each

The tournament is split into East and West groups, each consisting of 11 county teams. The grouping mirrors the previous season, ensuring that traditional rivals face off at least once in the group stage while giving teams a balanced mix of opponents.

1.2 Double‑Round‑Robin Format

Unlike the single round‑robin of earlier years, the 2026 edition adopts a double‑round‑robin format. Each team plays every other team in its group twice – once at home and once away. This means each side will contest 20 group matches, a total of 110 matches across both groups.

1.3 Knock‑out Stages

After the 20 rounds of group play:

• The top four teams from each group advance to the quarter‑finals.
• The quarter‑finals are single‑match elimination ties, hosted at the home ground of the higher‑seeded side.
• The winners progress to the semi‑finals, which are also single elimination and are hosted by the higher seed.
• The Finals Day then sees the two semi‑final winners battle it out in a double‑header: a first semi‑final and a second semi‑final, followed by the Final.

The entire tournament is scheduled to run from 27 May 2026 through to 9 September 2026, a 15‑week span that comfortably fits between the county championship and the national team’s international windows.

2. Day‑by‑Day Schedule Snapshot

Below is a condensed view of the key match days. For a full list of fixtures, the Sky Sports article links to a downloadable PDF that details each game’s date, venue, and start time.

Each week is carefully spaced to avoid clashes with the county championship and the ECB’s international commitments. The schedule also takes into account daylight saving time shifts in the UK, ensuring all match times are in GMT for the first half of the season and BST thereafter.

3. Finals Day – The Highlight of the Calendar

3.1 Venue

The 2026 Finals Day will be held at the County Ground, Chelmsford, a venue that has hosted the Blast finals since 2019. Its 18‑th-century pavilion, combined with modern facilities, makes it a favourite among players and fans alike.

3.2 Timing

The day will kick off at 10:30 BST with the first semi‑final. After a short intermission, the second semi‑final will start at 14:30 BST, followed by the climactic Final at 17:00 BST. The schedule is designed to give teams adequate rest between matches and to provide a build‑up of excitement for the final.

3.3 Broadcast & Commercials

Sky Sports will broadcast all three matches live, with commentary from former international stars and the current ECB commentary team. Willow TV will also carry the action, catering to the South‑Asian diaspora. In addition, the day will feature exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content on the ECB’s official app, giving fans a front‑row seat to player interviews, stadium tours, and expert analysis.

4. Additional Context & Resources

The Sky Sports article links to several key resources:

• Official ECB Fixture Page – Offers live updates, player stats, and commentary threads for each match.
• ECB One‑Day Cup Handbook – Provides details on the competition’s rules, point system, and tie‑breakers.
• Downloadable PDF – Contains the full list of fixtures, including dates, times, venues, and the assigned umpire panels.
• Ticketing Information – Offers early‑bird and group ticket packages for Finals Day.

These resources enable supporters, analysts, and bettors to track the tournament from start to finish.

5. What It Means for Teams and Players

The double‑round‑robin format intensifies the competition, forcing teams to perform consistently across 20 matches to secure a top‑four finish. Players will have more opportunities to showcase their skills, while coaches will need to manage squad rotation more strategically. The extended season also provides a rich data set for the ECB to evaluate the health of the one‑day format and its impact on the national team pipeline.

6. Key Takeaways

Final Thought

The 2026 Vitality Blast promises to deliver a full year of competitive one‑day cricket that will test teams’ depth, strategy, and stamina. With a transparent and well‑structured fixture list, fans can follow their favourite counties from the very first match to the thunder‑clap of the Final. Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter, a casual observer, or a fantasy cricket enthusiast, the 2026 schedule has something for everyone. Stay tuned, mark your calendar, and get ready for a season of hard‑hitting, high‑pressure cricket that will shape the future of the English one‑day game.