The stage is set at the iconic Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent as the West Indies host the world-ranked number one Australia for the series opener of their T20I tour. With the T20 World Cup in England just months away, both sides are looking to shake off recent series losses, the West Indies recently fell to Sri Lanka at home, while the Aussies were surprised by India.

This series marks a significant transition for Australia following the retirement of legendary keeper-captain Alyssa Healy. Sophie Molineux takes the reins as the new captain, though her participation as a bowler remains under a cloud due to a lingering back injury. Reports suggest she may feature primarily as a specialist batter for this opening fixture.

The West Indies’ hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of their talismanic skipper, Hayley Matthews. She has a phenomenal individual record against Australia, including a career-best 132 off 64 balls in 2023. She is also just 61 runs away from becoming the third West Indies woman to reach 3,000 T20I runs.

Australia are expected to hand a T20I debut to young pace sensation Lucy Hamilton, who impressed during the recent Test against India. Meanwhile, the West Indies have included teenagers Eboni Brathwaite and Jahzara Claxton, signalling a youth movement in their ranks.

WI-W vs AUS-W, 1st T20I: Match details

• Date and Time: March 19;  10:30 pm GMT / 6:30 pm Local/ 4:00 am IST (March 20)
• Venue: Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent

WI-W vs AUS-W, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 16 | Australia won: 14 | West Indies won: 2| No result: 1

Arnos Vale Ground Pitch Report

The surface at Arnos Vale Ground is expected to be a typical Caribbean slow-burner, favouring technique over raw power. Historically, this track offers a balanced contest early on, but as the match progresses under the lights, the lack of pace becomes evident. Spinners will likely find significant grip and turn, making the middle overs a tactical grind. While the new ball might slide on nicely for openers, batters will need to work hard for their boundaries as the pitch tires. Expect a competitive total around 140 to be match-winning.

Squads

West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shawnisha Hector, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Eboni Brathwaite, Jahzara Claxton, Mandy Mangru, Zaida James

Australia Women: Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux (c), Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Alana King, Tahlia Wilson, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Carey

Also READ: Tahlia Wilson earns maiden call-up as Australia Women announce squad for West Indies white-ball tour

WI-W vs AUS-W, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• West Indies wins the toss and bats first
• West Indies’ powerplay score: 40-50
• West Indies’ total score: 130-140

Case 2:

• Australia wins the toss and bats first
• Australia’s powerplay score: 50-60
• Australia’s total score: 160-170

Match result: Team batting first to win the contest.

Also READ: The Hundred Women’s 2026: Complete squads of all eight teams after the auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

The crescent moon has officially been sighted, the month of fasting has wrapped up, and the beautiful, chaotic energy of Eid morning is finally here. You already know the drill. The sheer khurma is simmering on the stove, the brand-new clothes are out of their covers, and the house smells faintly of rich attar and fresh jasmine. After thirty days of waking up at ungodly hours for suhoor and reflecting on your spiritual journey, it is time to eat, celebrate, and connect with everyone you love. But before the food coma officially hits and the Eidi envelopes start getting passed around, there is one modern morning ritual you have to navigate: the massive wave of WhatsApp notifications. Your phone is going to light up with messages from aunts, cousins, childhood friends, and colleagues. Sending back a generic “Eid Mubarak” to fifty different people feels a little entirely too robotic, but trying to type out a deeply personal, poetic message for every single chat while getting dressed is practically impossible. You need good, genuine messages, and you need them ready to copy and paste. Whether you are looking for a heartfelt note for your parents, a funny text for your group chat, or the perfect short quote to pair with your Eid outfit picture on Facebook and Instagram, we have you covered. Here are the best Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 wishes, messages, and quotes to share with your loved ones today.

Heartfelt Eid Wishes for Family

Family is the absolute center of Eid. These messages are designed to be warm, full of gratitude, and perfect for the family group chat or individual texts to your parents and siblings.1. Eid Mubarak to the people who make every single festival so incredibly special. May our home always be filled with this much laughter and love. 2. Wishing my beautiful family a joyous Eid! May Allah accept our fasts and shower our home with endless peace and prosperity this year. 3. Eid just isn’t the same without you all. Sending my warmest hugs and prayers to the best family in the world. 4. May the blessings of this beautiful day bring incredible health, wealth, and happiness to our doorstep. Eid Mubarak, Mom and Dad! 5. Here is to a day filled with extra sweet sheer khurma and even sweeter memories. Eid Mubarak to my favorite people. 6. Leaving behind the exhaustion of the month and stepping into today with pure gratitude. I am so lucky to celebrate with you all. 7. May Allah’s divine light guide our family through any dark days ahead. Wishing you all a very blessed Eid-ul-Fitr. 8. Sending so much love from my home to yours. May this Eid bring you everything you have been praying for. 9. Celebrating the spirit of Eid with the ones I love the most. May we be blessed with profound peace today and always. 10. To my siblings: Eid Mubarak! Please save some of the biryani for me, I am on my way over.

Fun and Casual Messages for Friends

Keep it light, energetic, and highly focused on the food and fun for your friends. These are perfect for a quick DM or a casual text drop.11. Eid Mubarak! May your day be entirely filled with great food, zero family drama, and pockets full of Eidi. 12. Wishing you an Eid packed with wild celebrations, endless kebabs, and a fantastic nap afterward. 13. Here is to a fresh start and a brand new chapter. May all those crazy dreams of yours turn into reality this year. Eid Mubarak, buddy! 14. Sending you massive good vibes and a virtual bowl of sheer khurma! Have a fantastic day celebrating. 15. May this Eid give you the strength to chase your biggest goals and the patience to deal with all the nosy relatives today. 16. Fasting is over, feasting begins! Wishing you a very Happy Eid. Let’s catch up and celebrate properly this weekend. 17. May the joy of this festival fill up both your heart and your bank account. Have a highly prosperous Eid! 18. Wishing you a day that’s loud, bright, and completely unforgettable. Keep shining, my friend. 19. Eid Mubarak! May your outfit look flawless and your makeup stay perfectly intact all day. 20. To my favorite partner in crime: May this Eid bring us even more ridiculous memories and amazing food.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Need a quick caption for your festive outfit picture or a snapshot of your gorgeous henna? These short, aesthetic quotes work perfectly for your social media updates.21. Embracing the blessings, the food, and the beautiful chaos. Eid Mubarak 2026! ✨ 22. May the light of the moon bring triumph and peace into all our lives this year. � � 23. Fasting is over; the feasting has officially commenced. � �🌿 24. May this Eid usher in a heavy dose of peace, prosperity, and positivity. � � 25. Stepping into the holiday with a heart full of gratitude and a plate full of biryani. Eid Mubarak! � � 26. Wishing everyone a year as rich in joy as today’s dessert spread. � � 27. Grateful for the month that passed, excited for the day ahead. Eid Mubarak to all! � � 28. May the vibrant glow of the festival light up your path to success this year. � � 29. Dressed up, feeling festive, and ready for whatever this beautiful day brings. � � 30. Let the celebrations begin. Wishing peace and love to everyone celebrating today.

For older relatives, colleagues, or community groups, a touch of respect, cultural depth, and spirituality is always the right approach.31. May Allah accept our good deeds, forgive our transgressions, and ease the suffering of all people around the globe. Eid Mubarak. 32. On this sacred day, may the divine grace of the Almighty always protect you and your family. Have a deeply spiritual and joyful Eid. 33. I pray your life is constantly filled with the light of knowledge and the warmth of divine love. Wishing you a blessed Eid-ul-Fitr. 34. Let us welcome this day by letting go of past grievances and trusting completely in the divine will. Have a peaceful celebration. 35. May the profound blessings of the season surround you today and always. Have a wonderful, highly traditional Eid. 36. Hoping the dawn of this Eid brings an abundance of tranquility and spiritual wealth into your home. 37. May the festival of Eid bring you luck, joy, and the inner strength to face all of life’s challenges with unshakeable faith. 38. Sending you my most sincere wishes for a year filled with divine blessings, good fortune, and holistic well-being. 39. May your home resonate with the joy of festive prayers and the laughter of loved ones today. 40. As we celebrate the end of Ramadan, may your personal world be filled with endless light and peace. Eid Mubarak to you and yours.Taking just two minutes to copy and send the right message makes the people in your life feel valued and remembered on a busy holiday.

File photo (Picture credit: AP)

Six major powers, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan, said on Thursday they are ready to support efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the conflict in the Gulf continues to disrupt one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.In a joint statement, the countries condemned what they described as recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and civilian energy infrastructure, and signalled willingness to join future maritime security efforts if conditions allow.As per new sagency AFP, the six nations said they were ready “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Joint statement condemns attacks on ships and energy sites

The group sharply criticised Iran over attacks in the Gulf and the effective disruption of shipping through the strait.The countries condemned “in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.”The statement added, “We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping.”The countries urged Tehran to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, and called for an immediate moratorium on attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, especially oil and gas installations.“Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the statement said.

Hormuz blockade raises global energy fears

The statement comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively paralysed, raising alarm across global energy and shipping markets.In peacetime, roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the strait, making it one of the most important maritime corridors in the world.The waterway normally handles around 15 million barrels per day of crude oil and 5 million barrels per day of oil products, accounting for roughly 25 per cent of global seaborne oil trade.Reuters said the six powers warned that interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains “constitute a threat to international peace and security.”“The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” the joint statement said, according to Reuters.

Seafarers stranded, commercial shipping hit hard

The conflict has already had a severe impact on commercial shipping in and around the strait.Since the war erupted on February 28, when the US and Israel began bombing Iran, Tehran has retaliated with strikes across the Gulf region.23 commercial vessels, including 10 tankers, have reported being attacked or involved in incidents.The situation has left around 20,000 seafarers stranded on approximately 3,200 vessels west of the strait, as per the International Maritime Organization.

Countries stop short of immediate naval deployment

While the six powers expressed readiness to help secure the strait, there was no commitment to an immediate military deployment.US President Donald Trump has been urging allies and NATO to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, but partners have so far resisted joining in the short term, even as they remain open to planning and coordination.“We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning,” the six-country statement said.A UK defence official told reporters on Wednesday that the current threat level was too high for many countries to send warships into the area immediately.“The level of threat is such that I don’t see many nations being willing to put warships into the middle of that threat right now,” the official said, as quoted by AFP.He added, “We’re working closely with allies and partners in terms of what we might be able to do and what we can offer, as and when the situation allows.”Britain has sent a “small number” of additional military “planners” to US Central Command (CENTCOM) to help develop options for what could come next in the Strait of Hormuz.

Support for emergency oil release and market stabilisation

Beyond maritime security, the six nations also backed emergency steps to calm global energy markets.The countries welcomed the International Energy Agency’s coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves and said they would take “other steps to stabilise energy markets,” including working with some producing nations to raise output.The IEA last week announced a 400 million barrel emergency release, describing it as the largest in its history.The six countries pledged to support the most affected nations through the United Nations and international financial institutions.

Lockie Ferguson (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

NEW DELHI: Lockie Ferguson will miss the early part of IPL 2026 as he chooses to spend time with his family after recently becoming a father. The fast bowler, who plays for Punjab Kings, is expected to join the squad later in the tournament after taking a short break from cricket.Ferguson explained his decision. “Just had a wee son, trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help my wife out,” he said ahead of the 3rd T20I against New Zealand, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. “I’ll have a few weeks off after this, before sort of heading to the later stages of the IPL and away for the winter.”

He had earlier taken only a brief break during the T20 World Cup 2026, spending just a few days with his family before returning to play. Now, he wants a longer rest to balance personal life and cricket. Ferguson said he still enjoys representing the New Zealand national cricket team, adding, “Always a pleasure playing for the Black Caps, really enjoyed my time in India with the group again.” In his absence, Punjab Kings may turn to players like Ben Dwarshuis, along with other pace options in their squad.

Commitment to New Zealand and future goals

Ferguson made it clear he is not stepping away from international cricket. He said, “They thought this was my last game (laughs). No, I’m still very committed to play for New Zealand.”Looking ahead, he is focused on upcoming global tournaments and added, “Looking forward to the next two World Cups, there’s a great opportunity for our squad.” He also mentioned working hard to stay fit and contribute to the team.On the growth of cricket, Ferguson supported the idea of a franchise T20 league in New Zealand, saying, “I think it’s exciting that there’s a prospect at a franchise tournament,” and highlighted the country’s talent and potential to showcase its cricket on a bigger stage.