2026 Vitality Blast Women: Full Fixture Guide Revealed

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  Sports and Competition on Wed, Nov 26th, 2025 by Sky Sports
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2026 Vitality Blast Women: Full Fixture Guide, Group‑Stage Breakdown and Finals Day

The 2026 Vitality Blast Women – England’s premier 50‑over women’s domestic competition – has just released its comprehensive fixture list. The season will see 12 top‑tier teams battle across two groups, while a second‑division “League 2” of 10 clubs will run a parallel double‑round‑robin. Below is a complete, day‑by‑day synopsis of the 2026 schedule, a recap of the competition format, and a look ahead to the marquee Finals Day at Headingley.

Competition Format

The fixtures are published in line‑up with the “Vitality Blast” brand guidelines: all matches are 50‑over, played in British Summer Time (BST), with half‑time breaks and a “team of the match” award for standout performers.

Day‑by‑Day Group‑Stage Overview

The group‑stage schedule stretches from 27 May 2026 to 17 June 2026. Each day hosts three fixtures (two at home, one away, or vice‑versa), ensuring that teams play at least one match per week. The tables below condense the day‑by‑day lineup, but for full detail—including venue capacities, broadcast times, and pitch conditions—consult the official Vitality Blast fixture pages linked within the article.

Group 1 (Midlands & North)

Key fixtures: Sussex’s opening match at Old Road marks the return of the historic “Sussex Pavilion” after renovations. Warwickshire will host Middlesex in a classic rivalry that’s slated to be the season’s first high‑profile encounter.

Group 2 (South & West)

Key fixtures: The first clash between Kent and Essex, played at St Lawrence’s, is a must‑watch for county fans. Surrey’s home opener at The Oval, the site of the 1973 England–Australia “World Cup Final”, carries extra prestige.

The 2026 Day‑by‑Day Snapshot

• Day 1 (27 May) – 6 opening fixtures across six venues.
• Day 2 (30 May) – 4 matches as teams head to the south‑west.
• Day 3 (2 June) – 3 fixtures, featuring a rain‑cut match at the new New Road, Worcester.
• Day 4 (5 June) – 4 matches, including a special “Women’s Cricket Day” broadcast on the BBC.
• Day 5 (7 June) – 5 fixtures, all in daylight.
• Day 6 (9 June) – 2 matches, marking the first day of the mid‑season “Sponsorship Week”.
• Day 7 (11 June) – 3 fixtures, featuring the “Rising Stars” series.
• Day 8 (14 June) – 4 matches, with a record‑breaking attendance at Headingley.
• Day 9 (16 June) – 4 fixtures, the last round of the group stage.
• Day 10 (17 June) – 2 final group‑stage matches, the “Closing Ceremony” featuring an all‑female commentary team.

Finals Day – 24 June 2026

Headingley, Leeds, will host the entire finals package. The schedule is as follows:

All matches will run under the “Vitality” branding and will be streamed live on Sky Sports and the Vitality Blast app. There will also be an opening ceremony featuring a showcase of the most prolific run‑scorers and wicket‑takers of the season, plus a tribute to the women’s cricket pioneers.

League 2 – The Second Tier

While the top tier enjoys the spotlight, League 2’s 10 clubs will host a separate schedule from 4 July to 18 July 2026. The structure is a double‑round‑robin:

A key highlight of League 2 is the “Emerging Talent” tournament, an integrated series of three matches on 8 July that will showcase 18‑year‑old prodigies to the national selectors. The final league standings will be announced on 18 July at the newly built Eagle Park in Southampton.

How to Stay Updated

• Official Fixture Page – Each group has its own dedicated page (linked in the article) with live scorecards, player statistics, and match commentary.
• Sky Sports App – Real‑time scores and video highlights.
• Vitality Blast Twitter – Live updates, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and #WomenCricket moments.
• BBC Radio 4’s “Midweek Sports” – Weekly analysis of the top fixtures.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Vitality Blast Women’s schedule is a testament to the growth of the game. With a balanced mix of historic venues and modern facilities, the fixtures promise both tradition and innovation. Fans can expect high‑octane action, fierce rivalries, and a finals day that will likely set new viewership records for women’s cricket.

Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter of Sussex Women or a newcomer eager to see Hampshire Women fight for promotion, the 2026 calendar has something for everyone. Mark your calendars, tune into Sky Sports or the Vitality Blast app, and be ready to cheer your team to glory on the hallowed turf of Headingley.