Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 21: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the upcoming U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, which will begin on January 21, with the final scheduled for February 6.
Defending champions India will begin their campaign against the West Indies on January 22 in Kathmandu. India have been placed in Group A alongside Ireland, West Indies and co-hosts Nepal.
The tournament will feature 16 teams divided into four groups. Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will play the opening match on January 21, while Australia, runners-up in the previous edition, will begin their campaign against Nigeria in Sylhet on the same day.
Kathmandu will host two other matches on the opening day, with Sri Lanka facing Scotland at the Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground before England take on the United States.
On January 22, Nepal will face Ireland, New Zealand will meet Samoa, and South Africa will take on Pakistan in Chattogram, alongside India's match against West Indies.
The group stage will conclude on January 26, after which the qualifying teams will advance to the Super Six stage, divided into two groups. The top two teams from each Super Six group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled to be held in Chattogram on February 4. February 5 has been kept as a reserve day for the semi-finals.
Chattogram will also host the final on February 6, with February 7 designated as a reserve day.
Group B comprises South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and Samoa, while Group C features Australia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and the UAE. Group D consists of England, Sri Lanka, the United States and Scotland.
The tournament will bring together some of the world's promising young women's cricket teams, with India aiming to defend their title.