Match Details VS Sussex
Metro Bank One Day Cup: Sussex Sharks Women v Worcestershire Women’s Rapids
Venue: The County Ground, Hove
Date: Sunday 19th April, 2026
Scheduled start time: 10:30m
Match preview sponsored by MSN Pharmacy Group.
Worcestershire Women’s Rapids make their long awaited return to action this weekend, as the side travel to Hove to face Sussex in their much anticipated 2026 season opener.
Galvanised by a year of Tier 2 cricket under their belt, a fresh-faced Rapids squad are looking to start big after a strong finish to the 50-over competition last season.
The Latest
It has been all systems go for the Women’s Rapids in the lead up to the new campaign, with changes both in and away from the dressing room creating a renewed optimism amongst the group.
Headlining the new signings is Dutch International batter Sanya Khurana, who joins the side from Minor County outfit, Wiltshire.
Further additions include bowler Sophia Mitchell and all-rounder Meg Bishop, while expectations continue to grow on the shoulders of youngsters Caitlin Baker-Smith and Ebony Jade-Tweats.
With Ed Wilson and Clare Boycott ready to take on a second season at the helm of the Tier 2 side, hopes are high that the Women’s Rapids can kickstart 2026 in winning style.
Inside The Camp
Boycott ready to lead “raring Rapids” into season opener at Hove
Worcestershire Women’s Rapids Captain Clare Boycott says the side’s first match of 2026 “can’t come soon enough” with the team all set to make their bow in the Metro Bank One Day Cup this Sunday.
After an encouraging end to 2025, preparations ahead of this summer were ramped up, with the squad embarking on an extensive winter training programme at Malvern College, before reassembling for a pre-season trip to the Isle of Wight in their first time back on grass since September last year.
With preparations culminating in a 50-over contest with Warwickshire Women’s Academy last Sunday, the time for talking is now over, with the first official assignment of the year for the Rapids lying in wait at Hove this week, against Sussex.
Skipper Boycott is full of positivity ahead of the season curtain-raiser, ensuring her squad is ready to hit the ground running and build on last year’s progress in the competition.
“I think the whole squad are ready and raring to go, especially as the rest of Tier 2 started last week! Everyone’s had a good run out and enjoyed some time in the middle, and to get some overs under our belt, putting us all in pretty good stead.”
“I think we can take the positives from our 50-over competition in 2025 into this season. Statistically, we were up there with the best teams batting-wise, so that should give us some confidence that even though we missed out narrowly, we have the ability to go one further this year and aim for a knockout spot.
“We’ve spoken about maximising that power play, and backing our skills, being brave in the field. There’s a lot of talent in the group now, so hopefully we can express ourselves on the pitch and show everyone how much work we’ve put in over the winter.”
One big positive for the Rapids’ hierarchy is the newfound strength in depth, acquired over the winter through new additions to the playing group.
Dutch batter Sanya Khurana, signed on over the winter, has added a layer of international experience to the side, whilst the acquisitions of Sophia Mitchell and Meg Bishop on loan deals from Tier 1 outfits have further signalled the intent of the team heading into the 2026 summer.
Beginning her first full season as Captain of the side, Boycott is keen to get the new arrivals into the action as soon as possible and continue to build the cohesive nature of the squad that came to the fore towards the back end of last season.
“It is definitely exciting! The new signings have really impressed over the warm-up games and given us competition for places – which is what you want, isn’t it?! Hopefully, their good form will continue at Sussex and in the longer term as well.
“Last year as a captain was a great experience. We had some tough times, but they only make you stronger.
“I’ve learnt a lot and I’m trying to get the best out of all the girls, making sure they all know I trust them and back them in their skills, hopefully leading to success on and off the field!”
The Opposition
Sussex Sharks Women
Having finished one place behind Worcestershire in last year’s Metro Bank One Day Cup Women’s table, the Sharks will be keen to get one over on their rivals in the early season meeting between the two sides.
Having opened their 2026 account last weekend with with a DLS defeat away to Leicestershire Foxes, a first home match of the season offers the chance for the team to pick up a first win of the new campaign.
Central to Sussex’s hopes of winning is middle order batter Bella Johnson, who last week top scored with an unbeaten 65 for her side, with the talented batter keen to extend her impressive start to the season and keep the Rapids bowlers on their toes.
Squad vs Sussex
