The ICC has announced the schedule for the 2027 Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, which Bangladesh and Nepal will co-host from January 21 to February 6. Sixteen teams will play 41 matches across four venues in Chattogram, Sylhet and Kathmandu.
India, the two-time defending champions, will begin their title defence against the West Indies on January 22 in Kathmandu as they aim to win the trophy for a third consecutive time.
When Will the Tournament Begin?
The third edition of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will run for more than two weeks, bringing together some of the most promising young cricketers from around the world.
The group stage will continue until January 26. Teams will then move into the Super Six stage, where the competition is expected to become more intense as the race for the semi-finals takes shape.
The tournament will conclude with the final on February 6. The International Cricket Council has also set aside reserve days to help manage possible disruptions to the knockout matches.
For young players, the competition offers an opportunity to perform on an international stage and gain experience against teams from different cricketing nations.
India’s Group and First Match Revealed
India have been placed in Group A alongside Ireland, the West Indies and hosts Nepal. The defending champions will open their campaign against the West Indies on January 22 at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu.
Nepal will begin their own campaign earlier that day against Ireland. Playing at home could give the hosts an important opportunity to showcase their young talent in front of local supporters.
India enter the tournament with a strong record, having won the previous two editions. Their performance will attract considerable attention as they attempt to retain the title and continue their success in youth women’s cricket.
However, the group stage will require the team to remain consistent across its matches. Every result could matter as teams compete to secure a place in the next round.
Which Teams Are in the Four Groups?
The 16 participating teams have been divided into four groups, with four sides in each.
Group A features India, Ireland, the West Indies and Nepal. Group B includes South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and Samoa.
Group C consists of Australia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. Group D brings together England, Sri Lanka, the United States of America and Scotland.
The group arrangement gives teams from different regions a chance to compete against one another. It also creates opportunities for emerging cricket nations to test their skills against more established teams.
The top-performing sides from the group stage will advance to the Super Six round. From there, the top two teams in each Super Six group will qualify for the semi-finals.
Where Will the Matches Be Played?
The tournament will use four venues across Bangladesh and Nepal. In Bangladesh, matches will take place at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium and the Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram.
Nepal will host games at the TU International Cricket Stadium and the Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground in Kathmandu.
The opening day on January 21 will feature four matches. Bangladesh will face the UAE in Sylhet in the morning, followed by Australia’s match against Nigeria at the same venue.
In Kathmandu, Sri Lanka will meet Scotland at Upper Mulpani, while England will take on the USA.
These opening fixtures will give fans an early look at the teams competing for a place in the knockout rounds.
When Are the Semi-Finals and Final?
The semi-finals are scheduled for February 4 at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram. February 5 has been kept as a reserve day.
The final will take place on February 6, starting at 1:30 pm local time. February 7 has been designated as the reserve day for the title match.
Morning fixtures during the tournament are scheduled to begin at 9:30 am local time, while afternoon matches will start at 1:30 pm.
These timings will help fans follow the tournament across its different venues. The complete fixture list is available through the ICC’s Online Media Zone.
Why Is This Tournament Important for Women’s Cricket?
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta described the Under-19 World Cup as an important platform for young players hoping to build careers at the highest level of the sport.
The tournament gives emerging cricketers a chance to represent their countries, gain international experience and attract attention through their performances. It can also inspire younger girls who are interested in taking up cricket.
The decision to select Bangladesh and Nepal as co-hosts reflects the ICC’s focus on developing the game in countries with strong cricket interest and young populations. Gupta noted that nearly 40% of the populations of the two host countries are below the age of 20.
With India aiming for a third straight title and 15 other teams ready to challenge them, the 2027 edition promises an important test for the next generation of women’s cricket talent. The road to the trophy begins on January 21, with the final scheduled for February 6.
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