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The Masters Odds and Predictions: Top Picks for Augusta National | Deadspin.com  Tommy Fleetwood tees off on the fifth hole during the third round of The Players Championship PGA golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]   There will be no Tiger on the course. Phil won’t be waving to the gallery.But golf will go on at Augusta National.The Masters is typically filled with intense drama, great storylines and some of the best shot-making you will see all year. The action starts Thursday — without Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson for the first time since 1994.This year’s tourney has a tough act to follow after Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a playoff in 2025. The victory gave McIlroy his first Green Jacket and allowed him to complete the career slam. He’s battling back woes as he looks to be a repeat winner.Scottie Scheffler is the favorite in any tournament he enters, but isn’t in peak form yet this season. That could all change in a span of a few holes with Scheffler, who enters the tournament No. 1 in the world for the fifth year in a row. Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young are among those hoping to be sized up for a jacket on Sunday.Not the familiar faces, it’s breakthrough timeScheffler (+495 to win) is looking for his third Green Jacket but he’s tied for 12th, tied for 24th and tied for 22th (at The Players) in his last three tourneys. He’s had a golf break due to the birth of his second child and this week feels more like a top-10 finish (-192) for the world’s best player.The pressure is off McIlroy (+1175) but it’s hard to trust his back when there are so many other options. Rahm (+910) won the Masters in 2023 and DeChambeau (+1050) was in the hunt last year before a final-round 75 dropped him into a tie for fifth.Schauffele (+1800) is playing well lately and figures to win at Augusta at some point but Young (+2300) could be ready for his big breakthrough despite missing the cut last year with a 72-79. Young, 28, has six top-10 finishes in majors (including two at Augusta) and is a hot golfer with three straight top-10 showings, including winning The Players.Cameron Young to win the tournament, +2300 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to $100T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to $500T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy$65 value with just a $10+ depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Sizzling Ludvig Aberg is prime top-five candidateRahm (+175 top five), DeChambeau (+210), Schauffele (+300) and Rose (+800) are all guys who will enter Sunday in the mix and you can figure one of these guys will finish among the top five. Schauffele finished third at The Players and tied for fourth one week later at the Valspar Championship while Rose has seven top-10 finishes at the Masters, including two solo seconds and one tie for second.Ludvig Aberg (+1650) finished second at the Masters in 2024 and tied for seventh last year and is playing superbly right now with three straight top-five finishes. He’s another guy that could be in the mix on Sunday.You can’t overlook the defending champion or the guy who has won two of the past three. McIlroy is going to fight to defend his title and even a Scheffler not in elite form could bag a fifth-place finish.Ludvig Aberg to finish in the top five, +1650 (DraftKings)  Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to $100T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to $500T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy$65 value with just a $10+ depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Tommy Fleetwood has this top-10 thing downTommy Fleetwood (+166) tied for third at Augusta in 2024 and has eight top-10 finishes in majors despite never winning one. He has four top-finishes in five events this season so he’s a strong candidate.Chris Gotterup (+305) is in his first Masters thanks to his breakthrough season that includes two victories. Then again, he had troubles at Pebble Beach (tied for 37th) and The Players (tied for 56th) and missed the Genesis Invitational cut.Guys like Patrick Reed (+295), Justin Thomas (+375) and reigning U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun (+420) are possibilities. But Fleetwood seems like the best bet out of this group.Tommy Fleetwood to finish in the top 10, +166 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to $100T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to $500T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy$65 value with just a $10+ depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #Masters #Odds #Predictions #Top #Picks #Augusta #National #Deadspin.com

The Masters Odds and Predictions: Top Picks for Augusta National | Deadspin.com
The Masters Odds and Predictions: Top Picks for Augusta National | Deadspin.com  Tommy Fleetwood tees off on the fifth hole during the third round of The Players Championship PGA golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]   There will be no Tiger on the course. Phil won’t be waving to the gallery.But golf will go on at Augusta National.The Masters is typically filled with intense drama, great storylines and some of the best shot-making you will see all year. The action starts Thursday — without Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson for the first time since 1994.This year’s tourney has a tough act to follow after Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a playoff in 2025. The victory gave McIlroy his first Green Jacket and allowed him to complete the career slam. He’s battling back woes as he looks to be a repeat winner.Scottie Scheffler is the favorite in any tournament he enters, but isn’t in peak form yet this season. That could all change in a span of a few holes with Scheffler, who enters the tournament No. 1 in the world for the fifth year in a row. Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young are among those hoping to be sized up for a jacket on Sunday.Not the familiar faces, it’s breakthrough timeScheffler (+495 to win) is looking for his third Green Jacket but he’s tied for 12th, tied for 24th and tied for 22th (at The Players) in his last three tourneys. He’s had a golf break due to the birth of his second child and this week feels more like a top-10 finish (-192) for the world’s best player.The pressure is off McIlroy (+1175) but it’s hard to trust his back when there are so many other options. Rahm (+910) won the Masters in 2023 and DeChambeau (+1050) was in the hunt last year before a final-round 75 dropped him into a tie for fifth.Schauffele (+1800) is playing well lately and figures to win at Augusta at some point but Young (+2300) could be ready for his big breakthrough despite missing the cut last year with a 72-79. Young, 28, has six top-10 finishes in majors (including two at Augusta) and is a hot golfer with three straight top-10 showings, including winning The Players.Cameron Young to win the tournament, +2300 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to $100T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to $500T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy$65 value with just a $10+ depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Sizzling Ludvig Aberg is prime top-five candidateRahm (+175 top five), DeChambeau (+210), Schauffele (+300) and Rose (+800) are all guys who will enter Sunday in the mix and you can figure one of these guys will finish among the top five. Schauffele finished third at The Players and tied for fourth one week later at the Valspar Championship while Rose has seven top-10 finishes at the Masters, including two solo seconds and one tie for second.Ludvig Aberg (+1650) finished second at the Masters in 2024 and tied for seventh last year and is playing superbly right now with three straight top-five finishes. He’s another guy that could be in the mix on Sunday.You can’t overlook the defending champion or the guy who has won two of the past three. McIlroy is going to fight to defend his title and even a Scheffler not in elite form could bag a fifth-place finish.Ludvig Aberg to finish in the top five, +1650 (DraftKings)  Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to $100T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to $500T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy$65 value with just a $10+ depositT&Cs apply, 18+ Tommy Fleetwood has this top-10 thing downTommy Fleetwood (+166) tied for third at Augusta in 2024 and has eight top-10 finishes in majors despite never winning one. He has four top-finishes in five events this season so he’s a strong candidate.Chris Gotterup (+305) is in his first Masters thanks to his breakthrough season that includes two victories. Then again, he had troubles at Pebble Beach (tied for 37th) and The Players (tied for 56th) and missed the Genesis Invitational cut.Guys like Patrick Reed (+295), Justin Thomas (+375) and reigning U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun (+420) are possibilities. But Fleetwood seems like the best bet out of this group.Tommy Fleetwood to finish in the top 10, +166 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to $100T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to $500T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy$65 value with just a $10+ depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #Masters #Odds #Predictions #Top #Picks #Augusta #National #Deadspin.comTommy Fleetwood tees off on the fifth hole during the third round of The Players Championship PGA golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

There will be no Tiger on the course. Phil won’t be waving to the gallery.

But golf will go on at Augusta National.

The Masters is typically filled with intense drama, great storylines and some of the best shot-making you will see all year. The action starts Thursday — without Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson for the first time since 1994.

This year’s tourney has a tough act to follow after Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a playoff in 2025. The victory gave McIlroy his first Green Jacket and allowed him to complete the career slam. He’s battling back woes as he looks to be a repeat winner.

Scottie Scheffler is the favorite in any tournament he enters, but isn’t in peak form yet this season. That could all change in a span of a few holes with Scheffler, who enters the tournament No. 1 in the world for the fifth year in a row. Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young are among those hoping to be sized up for a jacket on Sunday.

Not the familiar faces, it’s breakthrough time

Scheffler (+495 to win) is looking for his third Green Jacket but he’s tied for 12th, tied for 24th and tied for 22th (at The Players) in his last three tourneys. He’s had a golf break due to the birth of his second child and this week feels more like a top-10 finish (-192) for the world’s best player.

The pressure is off McIlroy (+1175) but it’s hard to trust his back when there are so many other options. Rahm (+910) won the Masters in 2023 and DeChambeau (+1050) was in the hunt last year before a final-round 75 dropped him into a tie for fifth.

Schauffele (+1800) is playing well lately and figures to win at Augusta at some point but Young (+2300) could be ready for his big breakthrough despite missing the cut last year with a 72-79. Young, 28, has six top-10 finishes in majors (including two at Augusta) and is a hot golfer with three straight top-10 showings, including winning The Players.

Cameron Young to win the tournament, +2300 (DraftKings)

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Sizzling Ludvig Aberg is prime top-five candidate

Rahm (+175 top five), DeChambeau (+210), Schauffele (+300) and Rose (+800) are all guys who will enter Sunday in the mix and you can figure one of these guys will finish among the top five. Schauffele finished third at The Players and tied for fourth one week later at the Valspar Championship while Rose has seven top-10 finishes at the Masters, including two solo seconds and one tie for second.

Ludvig Aberg (+1650) finished second at the Masters in 2024 and tied for seventh last year and is playing superbly right now with three straight top-five finishes. He’s another guy that could be in the mix on Sunday.

You can’t overlook the defending champion or the guy who has won two of the past three. McIlroy is going to fight to defend his title and even a Scheffler not in elite form could bag a fifth-place finish.

Ludvig Aberg to finish in the top five, +1650 (DraftKings)

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Tommy Fleetwood has this top-10 thing down

Tommy Fleetwood (+166) tied for third at Augusta in 2024 and has eight top-10 finishes in majors despite never winning one. He has four top-finishes in five events this season so he’s a strong candidate.

Chris Gotterup (+305) is in his first Masters thanks to his breakthrough season that includes two victories. Then again, he had troubles at Pebble Beach (tied for 37th) and The Players (tied for 56th) and missed the Genesis Invitational cut.

Guys like Patrick Reed (+295), Justin Thomas (+375) and reigning U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun (+420) are possibilities. But Fleetwood seems like the best bet out of this group.

Tommy Fleetwood to finish in the top 10, +166 (DraftKings)

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Underdog
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#Masters #Odds #Predictions #Top #Picks #Augusta #National #Deadspin.com

Tommy Fleetwood tees off on the fifth hole during the third round of The Players Championship PGA golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

There will be no Tiger on the course. Phil won’t be waving to the gallery.

But golf will go on at Augusta National.

The Masters is typically filled with intense drama, great storylines and some of the best shot-making you will see all year. The action starts Thursday — without Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson for the first time since 1994.

This year’s tourney has a tough act to follow after Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a playoff in 2025. The victory gave McIlroy his first Green Jacket and allowed him to complete the career slam. He’s battling back woes as he looks to be a repeat winner.

Scottie Scheffler is the favorite in any tournament he enters, but isn’t in peak form yet this season. That could all change in a span of a few holes with Scheffler, who enters the tournament No. 1 in the world for the fifth year in a row. Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young are among those hoping to be sized up for a jacket on Sunday.

Not the familiar faces, it’s breakthrough time

Scheffler (+495 to win) is looking for his third Green Jacket but he’s tied for 12th, tied for 24th and tied for 22th (at The Players) in his last three tourneys. He’s had a golf break due to the birth of his second child and this week feels more like a top-10 finish (-192) for the world’s best player.

The pressure is off McIlroy (+1175) but it’s hard to trust his back when there are so many other options. Rahm (+910) won the Masters in 2023 and DeChambeau (+1050) was in the hunt last year before a final-round 75 dropped him into a tie for fifth.

Schauffele (+1800) is playing well lately and figures to win at Augusta at some point but Young (+2300) could be ready for his big breakthrough despite missing the cut last year with a 72-79. Young, 28, has six top-10 finishes in majors (including two at Augusta) and is a hot golfer with three straight top-10 showings, including winning The Players.

Cameron Young to win the tournament, +2300 (DraftKings)

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Sizzling Ludvig Aberg is prime top-five candidate

Rahm (+175 top five), DeChambeau (+210), Schauffele (+300) and Rose (+800) are all guys who will enter Sunday in the mix and you can figure one of these guys will finish among the top five. Schauffele finished third at The Players and tied for fourth one week later at the Valspar Championship while Rose has seven top-10 finishes at the Masters, including two solo seconds and one tie for second.

Ludvig Aberg (+1650) finished second at the Masters in 2024 and tied for seventh last year and is playing superbly right now with three straight top-five finishes. He’s another guy that could be in the mix on Sunday.

You can’t overlook the defending champion or the guy who has won two of the past three. McIlroy is going to fight to defend his title and even a Scheffler not in elite form could bag a fifth-place finish.

Ludvig Aberg to finish in the top five, +1650 (DraftKings)

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Tommy Fleetwood has this top-10 thing down

Tommy Fleetwood (+166) tied for third at Augusta in 2024 and has eight top-10 finishes in majors despite never winning one. He has four top-finishes in five events this season so he’s a strong candidate.

Chris Gotterup (+305) is in his first Masters thanks to his breakthrough season that includes two victories. Then again, he had troubles at Pebble Beach (tied for 37th) and The Players (tied for 56th) and missed the Genesis Invitational cut.

Guys like Patrick Reed (+295), Justin Thomas (+375) and reigning U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun (+420) are possibilities. But Fleetwood seems like the best bet out of this group.

Tommy Fleetwood to finish in the top 10, +166 (DraftKings)

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Verstappen’s race engineer Lambiase to leave Red Bull for McLaren at end of the season <div id="content-body-70844026" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Max Verstappen’s race engineer and close ally GianPiero Lambiase is set to leave the Red Bull team in 2028 and will join Formula 1 rival McLaren as its chief racing officer.</p><p>Red Bull said Lambiase, who is also Red Bull’s head of racing, will leave when his current contract expires.</p><p>“’GP’ is a valued member of the team, which he joined in 2015,” Red Bull said. “Until his planned departure, ‘GP’ continues in his roles as Head of Racing and as Race Engineer to Max Verstappen. The team and he are fully committed to add more success to our strong track record together.”</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/formula-two-north-american-miami-montreal-iran-war-rescheduled-latest-news/article70843028.ece" target="_self">Formula Two makes first North American foray as races moved to Miami and Montreal</a></b></p><p>The move to McLaren will see team principal Andrea Stella delegate part of his current role. Lambiase would answer to Stella.</p><p>“The role of the Chief Racing Officer already exists within the team’s structure with overall leadership of the race team. These duties are currently managed by Andrea Stella in addition to his role as Team Principal,” McLaren said.</p><p>The move could fuel speculation around Verstappen’s future in F1. The four-time champion has been a vocal critic of the increased reliance on electrical power in the new generation of F1 cars, has his own racing projects outside of F1 and has talked about wanting to spend more time with his family.</p><p>He told <i>BBC </i>radio last month he would consider his future and didn’t rule out leaving the sport at the end of the season.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 09, 2026</p></div> #Verstappens #race #engineer #Lambiase #leave #Red #Bull #McLaren #season

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RCB’s Padikkal credits hard work behind the scenes for his frenetic start to IPL 2026 <div id="content-body-70844070" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Devdutt Padikkal is one of the reasons for the great start to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) title defence. The tall left-hander struck fifties in both the RCB matches at this Indian Premier League (IPL).</p><p>And he made those runs at frenetic pace – 61 off 26 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and 50 off 29 against Chennai Super Kings. The hard work behind the scenes is paying off for him.</p><p>“Over the last couple of years, I have been actively working on trying to improve my strike rate,” he said. “I am glad that those processes and that hard work that has gone behind the scenes are really coming to fruition now.”</p><p><b>READ</b> | <b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/rr-vs-rcb-ipl-2026-vaibhav-suryavanshi-rajat-patidar-riyan-parag-match-preview-latest-news/article70843468.ece" target="_blank">RR vs RCB, IPL 2026: Unbeaten sides meet in battle Royal(e)</a></b></p><p>He stressed batting was not just about the strike rate. “It is important that at the end of the day, you play the situation as well,” he said. “It is important that you continue to help the team win games, and as long as I am able to contribute, I am very happy.”</p><p>He said he took a lot of confidence from the domestic season. “I have scored a lot of runs coming into the season and I was really consistent,” he said. “Whenever you have that performance behind you, it gives you confidence.”</p><p>Looking ahead to Friday’s match against Rajasthan Royals, he said it could be a difficult one for his team. “They have a really good side and some really exciting and talented young players,” Padikkal said. “But at the same time, we are coming into this game with some confidence.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 09, 2026</p></div> #RCBs #Padikkal #credits #hard #work #scenes #frenetic #start #IPL

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was tightlipped about selection ahead of her side’s opening match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Sri Lanka on Friday.

The tournament host has used a variety of players during its warm-up fixtures for the T20 World Cup and poses a wealth of riches in most departments with good depth in the spin bowling ranks and a bevy of quality batting options at the top of the order.

ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head in T20Is

Played: 12

England: 10

Sri Lanka: 2

What that means in terms of selection for the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Edgbaston on Friday remains to be seen and Sciver-Brunt was giving nothing away when asked about the make-up of her side for the clash with Sri Lanka.

The all-rounder has already confirmed she will play purely as a batter as she returns to full fitness following a calf concern, while the England skipper also suggested it would be unlikely that the side will use all three of its left-arm spin options – Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Tilly Corteen-Coleman – in the same XI.

But where that leaves all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson remains unanswered, while there is also plenty to ponder for the England captain at the top of the batting order with Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones, Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley all jostling for positions.

“We have a squad of 15 players, all of whom could be part of our XI,” Sciver-Brunt said on Thursday at the pre-match press conference.

“Selecting that final XI is hard and there’ll be some disappointed people because everybody so far in the summer has put their hand up with different performances at different times.

ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head record in Women’s T20 World Cups

Played: 2

England: 2

Sri Lanka: 0

“We know that we’ll need to call upon every one of those 15 people during this tournament. It’s not just about the XI. And I suppose that makes for some tough conversations and I’m sure some disappointed people.”

Sri Lanka looks relatively more settled after ending its warm-up run unbeaten with wins over the Netherlands and Pakistan.

Experienced skipper Chamari Athapaththu will once again be the lynchpin for Sri Lanka against England as the veteran gears up for her 10th appearance at the T20 World Cup having previously featured at every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2009

And Athapaththu enters the opening contest quietly confident her side can cause an upset, with the Sri Lanka captain embracing the tag of underdogs given all the pressure and focus will be on their opponents.

“The game is very important game for both the teams, but we are coming with underdog tag because we need to earn something,” Athapaththu said.

“But I know England have a little bit pressure because they’re playing in their home condition and first game and with a lot of expectation. 

“And most of the England people are coming here for cheering for them. 

“I feel some kind of pressure they have. So we don’t have that kind of pressure. 

“So we just need to play our fearless cricket. And if we can play our best cricket tomorrow, I know we can change and make — we can make history.”

SQUADS

England squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi

Published on Jun 12, 2026

#England #Sri #Lanka #Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Preview #Headtohead #record #squads #playing #news">England vs Sri Lanka, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Preview, Head-to-head record, squads, playing XI news  England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was tightlipped about selection ahead of her side’s opening match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Sri Lanka on Friday.The tournament host has used a variety of players during its warm-up fixtures for the T20 World Cup and poses a wealth of riches in most departments with good depth in the spin bowling ranks and a bevy of quality batting options at the top of the order.
ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head in T20Is

Played: 12

England: 10

Sri Lanka: 2
What that means in terms of selection for the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Edgbaston on Friday remains to be seen and Sciver-Brunt was giving nothing away when asked about the make-up of her side for the clash with Sri Lanka.The all-rounder has already confirmed she will play purely as a batter as she returns to full fitness following a calf concern, while the England skipper also suggested it would be unlikely that the side will use all three of its left-arm spin options – Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Tilly Corteen-Coleman – in the same XI.But where that leaves all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson remains unanswered, while there is also plenty to ponder for the England captain at the top of the batting order with Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones, Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley all jostling for positions.“We have a squad of 15 players, all of whom could be part of our XI,” Sciver-Brunt said on Thursday at the pre-match press conference.“Selecting that final XI is hard and there’ll be some disappointed people because everybody so far in the summer has put their hand up with different performances at different times.
ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head record in Women’s T20 World Cups

Played: 2

England: 2

Sri Lanka: 0
“We know that we’ll need to call upon every one of those 15 people during this tournament. It’s not just about the XI. And I suppose that makes for some tough conversations and I’m sure some disappointed people.”Sri Lanka looks relatively more settled after ending its warm-up run unbeaten with wins over the Netherlands and Pakistan.Experienced skipper Chamari Athapaththu will once again be the lynchpin for Sri Lanka against England as the veteran gears up for her 10th appearance at the T20 World Cup having previously featured at every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2009And Athapaththu enters the opening contest quietly confident her side can cause an upset, with the Sri Lanka captain embracing the tag of underdogs given all the pressure and focus will be on their opponents.“The game is very important game for both the teams, but we are coming with underdog tag because we need to earn something,” Athapaththu said.“But I know England have a little bit pressure because they’re playing in their home condition and first game and with a lot of expectation. “And most of the England people are coming here for cheering for them. “I feel some kind of pressure they have. So we don’t have that kind of pressure. “So we just need to play our fearless cricket. And if we can play our best cricket tomorrow, I know we can change and make — we can make history.”
SQUADS
England squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi
Published on Jun 12, 2026  #England #Sri #Lanka #Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Preview #Headtohead #record #squads #playing #news

Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche  May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.  Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year,  million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.  “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”  A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.  He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.  Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.   A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.  The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.  Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.  Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.  “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.  “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #AvalancheMay 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.

Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, $54 million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.

“Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”

A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.

He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.


Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.

A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.

The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.

Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.

Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.

“He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.

“He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche">Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche  May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.  Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year,  million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.  “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”  A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.  He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.  Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.   A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.  The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.  Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.  Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.  “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.  “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche

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