England could be crowned world champions in both men’s cricket and women’s rugby this weekend, and Britons can watch both events for free.
The cricket is ordinarily behind Sky Sports’ pay wall but the subscription broadcaster has agreed to share coverage with Channel 4 this weekend.
England’s cricketers are taking on Pakistan on Sunday in the T20 World Cup final in Melbourne after hammering India, with coverage starting at 8am.
Two hours earlier, coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup final begins on ITV, with England facing off against New Zealand.
And in the Rugby League world cup semi-finals, England are playing Samoa at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in north London on Saturday, with BBC One coverage starting at 1.45pm.
Sky’s move to share its cricket coverage comes after the huge success of its deal with Channel 4 in 2019, when 8.7million viewers watched Eoin Morgan’s side beat New Zealand in a thrilling match at Lord’s.
This weekend’s barrage of sport comes little more than a week before the men’s football World Cup in Qatar, which begins on November 20. England face off against Iran in their first match.
England could be crowned world champions in both men’s cricket and women’s rugby this weekend, and Britons can watch both events for free. The cricket is ordinarily behind Sky Sports’ pay wall but the subscription broadcaster has agreed to share coverage with Channel 4 this weekend. Above: England’s Joss Buttler and Alex Hales embrace during the semi-final against India yesterday
Two hours before the cricket, coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup final begins on ITV, with England facing off against New Zealand. Above: The two sides playing last year
And in the Rugby League world cup semi-finals, England are playing Samoa at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in north London on Saturday, with BBC One coverage starting at 1.45pm
SATURDAY
England Vs Samoa in Rugby League World Cup semi-finals
Rugby League fans have greatly enjoyed England’s run in the world cup on home soil this year.
Coach Shaun Wane’s side take on Samoa on Saturday afternoon after defeating them 60-6 in the tournament opener.
England have won three of their four matches with a 40-point margin of victory.
However, the side are expected to face a tougher challenge in their re-match with Samoa.
The side have improved dramatically since their opening day loss.
The match kicks off at 2.30pm on BBC One, with coverage starting at 1.45pm.
Rugby League fans have greatly enjoyed England’s run in the world cup on home soil this year. Coach Shaun Wane’s side take on Samoa on Saturday afternoon after defeating them 60-6 in the tournament opener
SUNDAY
England Vs Pakistan in Cricket T20 World Cup Final
Eoin Morgan’s side booked their place in Sunday’s showpiece with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over India.
Coverage of this Sunday’s clash with Pakistan will begin at 8am on Channel 4.
Speaking after Sky’s deal was announced, Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon said: ‘This is fantastic news for cricket fans and the nation.
‘This Sunday is a massive day for British sport with England tantalisingly close to lifting the Cricket World Cup for the first time and Lewis Hamilton setting his sights on his seventh win of the season at Silverstone – all live on Channel 4.
‘The big winners of the strong partnership between Channel 4 and Sky are sports fans and viewers who want to come together for these big sporting occasions.’
Sky UK and Ireland chief executive Stephen van Rooyen added: ‘England in the final on home soil is a huge moment for sport in this country and we are proud to be the host broadcaster.
Eoin Morgan’s side booked their place in Sunday’s showpiece with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over India in Adelaide. Above: Jos Buttler is seen batting (left); Sam Curran (right) reacts during the match
‘Thanks to our strong relationship with Channel 4, we are partnering to make the game available to everyone, so the whole country can get behind England, and be part of a special national sporting event.’
England swaggered into their first World Cup final in 27 years, blowing away rivals Australia by eight wickets to set up a winner-takes-all date with New Zealand at Lord’s.
The three-times runners-up are now firm favourites to land the trophy for the first time, having thrashed the Black Caps by 119 runs in the group stage.
England Vs New Zealand in Women’s Rugby World Cup Final
England’s women are hoping to defy history when they face off against New Zealand on Sunday.
The two teams have played each other in four of the last five finals, and New Zealand have won each meeting.
The clash is taking place at Eden Park in Auckland.
England’s women are hoping to defy history when they face off against New Zealand on Sunday
Sam Middleton’s England are on a remarkable run of 30 Test wins in a row, a feat which continued when they beat Canada in the semi-finals.
It means they are favourites heading into the match.
Coverage of the match begins on ITV at 6am, with a 6.30am kick-off.
Sam Middleton’s England are on a remarkable run of 30 Test wins in a row, a feat which continued when they beat Canada in the semi-finals
