Delhi Capitals (DC) will begin their IPL 2026 campaign with continuity in leadership, as Axar Patel continues as captain for the second straight season. Having taken charge after Rishabh Pant’s departure ahead of IPL 2025, Axar now carries the responsibility of taking the franchise a step further. After finishing fifth last season, Delhi will be eager to break new ground and chase their first-ever IPL title. One of their biggest advantages this year is stability at home – they will play all seven of their home matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, giving them consistent conditions and strong crowd support throughout the league stage.

The team also enters the season with a fresh look at the top of the order. KL Rahul is set to open alongside Pathum Nissanka, forming a new partnership that blends experience with composure. England’s Ben Duckett was initially in contention for the role but withdrew at the last moment, forcing a change in plans. Meanwhile, Prithvi Shaw makes a return to the squad after going unsold in the previous auction, adding further depth to the batting lineup. Delhi’s schedule soon takes them on a challenging southern tour in mid-April, with away fixtures against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This stretch will test their adaptability across different conditions and venues.

Following this demanding phase, the schedule shifts in Delhi’s favour. They return home for a crucial run, playing four of their next five matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium – against Punjab Kings (PBKS), RCB and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with only a brief trip to Jaipur to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 1. This home-heavy stretch could prove decisive in their push for the playoffs. Delhi will also play two afternoon fixtures – against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 4 and PBKS on April 25 – requiring them to adjust to different playing conditions. They conclude their league campaign against KKR at Eden Gardens on May 24, with a short break beforehand to recover. With additions like David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and promising all-rounder Auqib Nabi, alongside the pace of Mitchell Starc and Kyle Jamieson, DC have the squad depth to mount a serious challenge this season.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Delhi Capitals – DC’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals Full IPL 2026 Schedule

• April 1 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals – Lucknow – 7:30PM IST
• April 4 – Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• April 8 – Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• April 11 – Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals – Chennai – 7:30PM IST
• April 18 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals – Bengaluru – 3:30PM IST
• April 21 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 25 – Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings – Delhi – 3:30PM IST
• April 27 – Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• May 1 – Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals – Jaipur – 7:30PM IST
• May 5 – Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• May 8 – Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• May 11 – Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals – Dharamshala – 7:30PM IST
• May 17 – Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• May 24 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals – Kolkata – 7:30PM IST

Also READ: Kris Srikkanth names his playing XI of Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2026

The New Zealand Cricket Awards 2026, presented by New Zealand Cricket (NZC), recognized the outstanding achievements of cricketers across formats, with Amelia Kerr, Jacob Duffy, and Jess Kerr among the winners.

Amelia Kerr clinches fourth consecutive Debbie Hockley Medal

Amelia Kerr, New Zealand women’s captain, won the Debbie Hockley Medal for the fourth straight year, recognizing her as the Women’s Cricketer of the Year. Kerr starred in the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, earning Player of the Series honors in multiple matches.

Debbie Hockley praised her, saying: “Quite simply, we’re talking about a dominant force in every facet of the game, and one of the most influential players in women’s cricket history.” Kerr also won the Women’s T20 Player of the Year award.

Jacob Duffy claims Sir Richard Hadlee Medal and more

Jacob Duffy took the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal after breaking Hadlee’s record for most wickets by a New Zealander in 2025. He also won the Test Player of the Year award and the Winsor Cup for men’s first-class bowling, making him one of the few players to win three major awards in a single night.

Sir Richard Hadlee said, “Jacob’s durability, consistency, and ability to take wickets in pressure moments made him the most complete bowling performer of the season.”

Jess Kerr shines in domestic competitions

Jess Kerr enjoyed a stellar season in New Zealand domestic cricket, earning both the Women’s Domestic Player of the Year and Super Smash Women’s Player of the Year awards. Her consistent performances with both bat and ball were instrumental in her team’s success, highlighting her as one of the country’s rising stars in women’s cricket.

Tim Seifert excels in T20 internationals

Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert was named Men’s T20I Player of the Year after a standout performance in New Zealand’s T20 campaign. He scored 326 runs in eight innings at an impressive average of 46.57 and a strike rate of 166.32, playing a key role in guiding his team to the final. His dynamic batting made him one of the most influential performers in the tournament.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra picks the ideal playing XI of RCB for IPL 2026

Lifetime contribution recognized

Martin Snedden was honored with the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for his services to cricket. NZC Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon said his contribution places him among New Zealand cricket’s greatest influencers.

Former all-rounders Jeremy Coney and Haidee Tiffen were inducted into the NZC Hall of Fame, the first additions since the inaugural “First Eleven” last year.

Complete list of award winners:

• Debbie Hockley Medal – Amelia Kerr
• Sir Richard Hadlee Medal – Jacob Duffy
• Bert Sutcliffe Medal – Martin Snedden
• Test Player of the Year – Jacob Duffy
• Men’s ODI Player of the Year – Daryl Mitchell
• Women’s ODI Player of the Year – Brooke Halliday
• Men’s T20I Player of the Year – Tim Seifert
• Women’s T20I Player of the Year – Amelia Kerr
• Men’s Domestic Player of the Year – Henry Nicholls
• Women’s Domestic Player of the Year – Jess Kerr
• Super Smash Men’s Player of the Year – Katene Clarke (Northern Brave)
• Super Smash Women’s Player of the Year – Jess Kerr (Wellington Blaze)
• Redpath Cup – Henry Nicholls
• Ruth Martin Cup – Kate Anderson
• Winsor Cup – Jacob Duffy
• Phyl Blackler Cup – Jess Kerr
• Umpire of the Year – Chris Gaffaney

Also READ: Former Indian opener predicts the top 4 teams in IPL 2026

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have never been the kind of franchise that makes the loudest noise before a season begins. They go about their business quietly, build their squad thoughtfully, and generally let the cricket do the talking. Heading into IPL 2026, one decision in particular has caught the attention of former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, and he has not held back with his thoughts on it.

LSG open their IPL 2026 campaign on April 1 against Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, and as they prepare for that opener, the spotlight is firmly on two young Indian fast bowlers who have had anything but a smooth ride over the past couple of seasons.

Why Irfan Pathan feels LSG’s approach is different?

Pathan pointed out that not every team shows such patience. According to him, LSG’s decision to stick with these young Indian pacers is rare and commendable, especially when the team already has strong overseas batting options like Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran. He stressed that the onus is now on the bowlers to make the most of this support.

“Mayank Yadav has played six matches in two years, it is not enough. He is a retained player. He has to be available this year. If there is no place for him in the team, then that is a separate thing. The franchise has supported him. Mohsin Khan missed last year entirely, and even in the seasons before, he has not played all the games. But they have been backed; no other franchise does this. I have seen KKR and MI do it, but many franchises run out of patience after one or two seasons,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Also READ: Irfan Pathan unveils his Lucknow Super Giants’ playing XI for the IPL 2026

A clear challenge for the young pacers

With LSG relying heavily on Indian seamers alongside experienced names like Mohammad Shami and Avesh Khan, young pacers Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav carry a big responsibility to step up and justify the franchise’s backing.

Beyond the two retained pacers, LSG also have Prince Yadav and Naman Tiwari as part of the bowling options, giving Rishabh Pant reasonable depth. But Mayank’s pace, which made him a talking point when he first appeared, has everyone eager to see him back in full flow.

If both pacers can stay fit and perform at their best, LSG could surprise a few teams this season. That is exactly what the franchise hoped to achieve by backing them.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Lalit Modi labels LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka ‘clown’ over his reaction to RR and RCB’s record acquisition deal

Gujarat Titans (GT) head into IPL 2026 with a balanced schedule that combines a challenging start, strong home advantage, and key tactical phases throughout the season. Their campaign begins on March 31 with an away fixture against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. This opening match, set for a 7:30 PM start, will immediately test the Titans against a competitive side in unfamiliar conditions.

After the opener, the focus quickly shifts to their home base – the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. GT will play seven matches at this venue, which has become a fortress for the franchise over the years. Their first home game comes against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 4, followed by a busy and crucial home stretch in late April and early May. During this period, they will face top teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This run of home games could play a decisive role in shaping their campaign, as strong performances in familiar conditions often build momentum and confidence.

On the leadership front, Shubman Gill continues as captain, guiding a squad that blends youth and experience. He will be supported by head coach Ashish Nehra, with Matthew Hayden joining the setup as batting coach. The squad itself looks strong and well-rounded, featuring match-winners like Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Rahul Tewatia.

With the league stage running from March 28 to May 24, GT have a clear opportunity to build momentum through their home fixtures while managing key away challenges. If they can strike the right balance and maintain consistency, they will once again be among the strong contenders for the IPL 2026 playoffs.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – Matthew Hayden picks Gujarat Titans star worthy of his iconic mongoose bat

GT IPL 2026 Full Schedule

• March 31 – Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans – New Chandigarh – 7:30PM IST
• April 4 – Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 8 – Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• April 12 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans – Lucknow – 3:30PM IST
• April 17 – Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 20 – Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 24 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans – Bengaluru – 7:30PM IST
• April 26 – Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings – Ahmedabad – 3:30PM IST
• April 30 – Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• May 3 – Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• May 9 – Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans – Jaipur – 7:30PM IST
• May 12 – Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• May 16 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans – Kolkata – 7:30PM IST
• May 21 – Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans – Chennai – 7:30PM IST

Note: IST= GMT+ 5:30 hrs

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Gujarat Titans – GT’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

West Indies Women and Australia Women move from the T20I leg to the 50-over format, beginning their three-match ODI series today at Warner Park. Australia enter as the heavy favorite after a clinical 3-0 sweep in the T20Is, but West Indies will look to leverage their strong historical record at this particular venue to turn the tide.

Australia begin a new era in ODIs following the retirement of Alyssa Healy. Sophie Molineux takes the reins as captain of a side that remains incredibly deep despite some transition. The visitors are coming off a dominant 3-0 series win against India and have maintained their momentum with a flawless T20I performance last week. Youngster Georgia Voll, fresh off an international T20 century, and the ever-consistent Beth Mooney form a formidable batting core.

For the West Indies, the return to Warner Park is a welcome one—they have won six of their last seven ODIs at this ground. Captain Hayley Matthews remains the centerpiece of the team, supported by the veteran Stafanie Taylor and the explosive Deandra Dottin. However, the hosts’ middle order has been fragile recently, and they will need to find a way to handle Australia’s relentless spin duo of Alana King and Ashleigh Gardner to stay competitive.

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

• Date and Time: March 27; 2.00 pm local time/ 6.00 pm GMT/ 11.30 pm IST
• Venue: Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts

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

Matches played: 18 | Australia won: 16 | West Indies won: 1 | No result: 1

Warner Park Pitch Report

The surface at Warner Park is renowned as a batting paradise, offering true bounce and a lightning-fast outfield that typically facilitates high-scoring encounters. While the fresh white ball may offer some initial swing for the pacers under the humid Caribbean skies, the pitch generally flattens out, allowing stroke-makers to thrive with relatively short boundaries. As the match progresses, the track often slows down and assists spinners, who have historically found success here by extracting sharp turn in the middle overs. Given the 30-35% chance of afternoon showers and the likely presence of dew later in the evening, the toss-winning captain will likely opt to bowl first to maintain control over a potential DLS-adjusted chase.

Also READ: Alana King steers Australia to series-clinching win over West Indies in 2nd Women’s T20I

Squads:

West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Shawnisha Hector, Jahzara Claxton, Realeanna Grimmond, Shunelle Sawh

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

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

Case 1:

• West Indies wins the toss and bowl first
• Australia’s powerplay score: 50-70
• Australia’s total score: 280-300

Case 2:

• Australia wins the toss and bowl first
• West Indies’ powerplay score: 40-60
• West Indies’ total score: 250-270

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest.

Also READ: Georgia Voll’s sensational century helps Australia whitewash West Indies in Women’s T20I series

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

Rajasthan Royals (RR) kickstart their IPL 2026 campaign with a fresh leadership group and a schedule packed with intriguing storylines. For the first time, Riyan Parag will lead the side after the franchise made a bold call to trade longtime captain Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The season opener for RR on March 30 instantly grabs attention, as Parag begins his captaincy journey against his predecessor, adding an emotional and competitive edge to the contest.

One of the unique aspects of RR’s campaign this season is their split home schedule. The team will start by playing three home games at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, facing CSK, Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 7 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 10. These early matches give RR a chance to build momentum in front of a passionate northeastern crowd. After this phase, they shift back to their traditional base at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, where they will host key fixtures against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

However, the journey won’t be smooth throughout. After their opening home stretch, RR face a challenging run of away matches in mid-April. They travel to Hyderabad on April 13, followed by tough encounters in Kolkata against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 19 and Lucknow on April 22. This phase will test the team’s resilience, especially as they adjust to different conditions and venues before finally returning to Jaipur. Adding to the challenge, RR will play two afternoon matches – against KKR on April 19 and against MI on May 24 – both starting at 3:30 PM IST. Handling the heat and pitch variations in these games will be crucial.

Heading into the season, RR boast a balanced squad featuring emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal alongside experienced match-winners such as Jadeja, Curran, Jofra Archer and Shimron Hetmyer. With a new captain at the helm and a favourable finish to their schedule, the Royals will be aiming to turn potential into performance in IPL 2026.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Rajasthan Royals – RR’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

RR Full IPL 2026 Schedule

• March 30 – Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings – Guwahati – 7:30PM IST
• April 4 – Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 7 – Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians – Guwahati – 7:30PM IST
• April 10 – Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Guwahati – 7:30PM IST
• April 13 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 19 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals – Kolkata – 3:30PM IST
• April 22 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals – Lucknow – 7:30PM IST
• April 25 – Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Jaipur – 7:30PM IST
• April 28 – Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals – New Chandigarh – 7:30PM IST
• May 1 – Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals – Jaipur – 7:30PM IST
• May 9 – Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans – Jaipur – 7:30PM IST
• May 17 – Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• May 19 – Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants – Jaipur – 7:30PM IST
• May 24 – Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals – Mumbai – 3:30PM IST

Note: IST= GMT+ 5:30 hrs

Also READ: IPL – Complete list of all Rajasthan Royals (RR) captains so far ft. Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head into IPL 2026 with a schedule that offers a mix of early challenges, crucial home advantage and a potentially decisive finish. Their campaign begins with a blockbuster clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29. Facing a five-time champion side in their own backyard is never easy, and this high-intensity opener will test KKR right from the start. It’s the kind of match that can set the tone for the rest of the season.

After that tough start, KKR will be relieved to return home for a favourable stretch at Eden Gardens. They play three consecutive matches in front of their home crowd – against Sunrisers Hyderabad (April 2), Punjab Kings (April 6) and Lucknow Super Giants (April 9). This phase could prove crucial, as building momentum early in the tournament often defines a team’s campaign. Eden Gardens has traditionally been a stronghold for KKR, and making the most of these fixtures could give them a solid position on the points table.

However, the schedule soon becomes more demanding. KKR embark on a busy travel phase in mid-April, beginning with an away clash against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on April 14, followed by another challenging fixture against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on April 17. After a brief return home, they head to Lucknow again on April 26, making this a period where squad rotation and fitness management will be key. Adding to the challenge, KKR will also feature in two afternoon matches – hosting Rajasthan Royals on April 19 and traveling to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 3, both starting at 3:30 PM IST. Afternoon games often demand tactical adjustments due to heat and pitch behaviour.

The latter half of the season, however, offers KKR a significant advantage. They finish their league campaign with three consecutive home matches at Eden Gardens – against Gujarat Titans (May 16), Mumbai Indians (May 20), and Delhi Capitals (May 24). This strong home finish could play a decisive role in their playoff push, especially if qualification comes down to the final few games. In between, they will also face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur on May 13, a unique neutral-venue encounter.

KKR entered the auction with one of the biggest purses, making headlines with big signings like Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana. However, injuries to key players like Pathirana and Harshit Rana have forced adjustments, with Navdeep Saini coming in as a replacement. Despite these setbacks, KKR still have the depth and firepower to mount a strong campaign. If they can navigate the tough middle phase and capitalize on their home advantage late in the season, they could be serious contenders for the IPL 2026 playoffs.

Also READ: “My wife played a huge role in calming me down” – Varun Chakravarthy on panic attacks and his rise with KKR

KKR Full IPL 2026 Schedule

• March 29 – Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Mumbai – 7:30 PM IST
• April 2 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Kolkata – 7:30 PM IST
• April 6 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings – Kolkata – 7:30 PM IST
• April 9 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants – Kolkata – 7:30 PM IST
• April 14 – Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Chennai – 7:30 PM IST
• April 17 – Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM IST
• April 19 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals – Kolkata – 3:30 PM IST
• April 26 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Lucknow – 7:30 PM IST
• May 3 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Hyderabad – 3:30 PM IST
• May 8 – Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Delhi – 7:30 PM IST
• May 13 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Raipur – 7:30 PM IST
• May 16 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans – Kolkata – 7:30 PM IST
• May 20 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians – Kolkata – 7:30 PM IST
• May 24 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals – Kolkata – 7:30 PM IST

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

Following a clinical 3–0 sweep by the visitors in the T20I leg, the action shifts to the 50-over format as West Indies Women host Australia Women for a three-match ODI series in St. Kitts.

This series marks the beginning of the 2026–2029 ICC Women’s Championship cycle for both teams, adding significant weight to every result as they eye automatic qualification for the next World Cup.

All matches will be held at Warner Park, Basseterre, St. Kitts. The venue is traditionally balanced but favors spin as the match progresses, which could play into the hands of both teams’ slow-bowling depth.

Australia enters this series as heavy favorites but faces a transitional period. This is their first ODI assignment following the retirement of legendary captain Alyssa Healy. On the other hand, Windies have a formidable record at Warner Park (winning six of their last seven ODIs there), but they have historically struggled against the Australian “juggernaut,” winning only 1 of their 17 previous ODI encounters.

Schedule of WODI series

• 1st ODI: March 27 – 2.00 pm local time/ 6.00 pm GMT/ 11.30 pm IST
• 2nd ODI: March 29 – 2.00 pm local time/ 6.00 pm GMT/ 11.30 pm IST
• 3rd ODI: Apr 2 – 2.00 pm local time/ 6.00 pm GMT/ 11.30 pm IST

Also READ: Alana King steers Australia to series-clinching win over West Indies in 2nd Women’s T20I

Squads:

West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Shawnisha Hector, Jahzara Claxton, Realeanna Grimmond, Shunelle Sawh

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

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Also READ: Georgia Voll’s sensational century helps Australia whitewash West Indies in Women’s T20I series

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

Mumbai Indians (MI) head into IPL 2026 with a well-balanced schedule that mixes high-profile clashes, strong home advantage, and a challenging away stretch. One of the biggest highlights of their campaign will be the iconic rivalry with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), often dubbed the IPL’s  El Clasico. The two teams will face off twice—first at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23 and then at Chepauk on May 2. Both fixtures are evening games, setting the stage for electrifying contests between two of the league’s most successful franchises.

MIs will enjoy significant home comfort this season, playing seven matches at their fortress, the Wankhede Stadium. They begin their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29 and then host a string of important games, including clashes against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). Their league-stage journey will also conclude at home against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 24. This extended home run in April gives MI a golden opportunity to build momentum and strengthen their position on the points table.

However, the real test begins in May, when MI hit a tough away phase. They travel to Raipur to face RCB on May 10, followed by a trip to Dharamshala to take on PBKS on May 14. The challenge continues with another away fixture against KKR on May 20. This demanding travel schedule, combined with high-pressure matches, will test the squad’s depth and fitness. Managing player workload and maintaining consistency during this phase could be crucial in determining whether MI make it to the playoffs.

With a strong squad led by Hardik Pandya, MI look well-equipped for another title push. Their batting lineup features stars like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, while the bowling attack boasts the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. If they can capitalize on their home advantage and navigate the tough away stretch smartly, MI will once again be strong contenders for the IPL crown.

Also READ: Wasim Jaffer outlines his Mumbai Indians playing XII prediction for IPL 2026

MI IPL 2026 Full Schedule

• March 29 – Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• April 4 – Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians – Delhi – 3:30PM IST
• April 7 – Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians – Guwahati – 7:30PM IST
• April 12 – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• April 16 – Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• April 20 – Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 23 – Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• April 29 – Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• May 2 – Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Chennai – 7:30PM IST
• May 4 – Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• May 10 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians – Raipur – 7:30PM IST
• May 14 – Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Dharamshala – 7:30PM IST
• May 20 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians – Kolkata – 7:30PM IST
• May 24 – Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals – Mumbai – 3:30PM IST

Note: IST= GMT+ 5:30 hrs

Also READ: SWOT Analysis of Mumbai Indians – MI’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head into IPL 2026 with a schedule that offers both symmetry and serious challenges. Their campaign begins with a high-profile clash against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru on March 28, and fittingly, their league journey will also conclude against the same opponent on May 22 in Hyderabad. This opener-to-finale storyline gives SRH a unique narrative arc, where they could potentially measure their growth across the tournament against one of the strongest teams in the league.

However, the season doesn’t begin on the easiest note for SRH. They will be without their captain Pat Cummins for the initial phase, as he continues to recover from a lumbar stress fracture. In his absence, Ishan Kishan will take charge, stepping into a leadership role at a crucial time. The early fixtures, particularly away games against RCB on March 28 and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 2, will test the squad’s depth and resilience. These matches could set the tone for their campaign, especially as they look to stay competitive without their regular skipper.

The good news for SRH is the strong home advantage they enjoy this season. They will play seven matches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, a venue where they have traditionally performed well. A key phase arrives in mid-April, when they play multiple home games in quick succession – against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 13, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 18, and Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 21. This stretch could prove decisive in shaping their playoff chances, as a strong run at home often builds confidence and momentum in a long tournament like the IPL.

Another positive for SRH is their relatively balanced travel schedule. Unlike some teams that have to deal with multiple secondary venues, SRH’s fixtures are spread across familiar cricketing centers such as Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai. This consistency in travel reduces fatigue and allows the team to focus more on performance. Additionally, SRH will feature in two afternoon matches – both on Sundays – against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 5 and Kolkata Knight Riders on May 3, starting at 3:30 PM IST. These games will require adjustments to different pitch conditions and the challenge of playing in afternoon heat.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

SRH Full IPL 2026 Schedule

• March 28 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Bengaluru – 7:30PM IST
• April 2 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Kolkata – 7:30PM IST
• April 5 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants – Hyderabad – 3:30PM IST
• April 11 – Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Mullanpur – 3:30PM IST
• April 13 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 18 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 21 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 25 – Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Jaipur – 7:30PM IST
• April 29 – Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• May 2 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST
• May 6 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST
• May 12 – Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• May 18 – Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Chennai – 7:30PM IST
• May 22 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST

Note: IST= GMT+ 5:30 hrs

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