India to Begin U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Title Defence Against West Indies
Two-time champions India will begin their title defence against the West Indies on January 22, 2027, in Kathmandu as the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the schedule for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday.
The third edition of the tournament will be held in Bangladesh and Nepal from January 21 to February 6, 2027, featuring 16 teams divided into four groups. Matches will be played across venues in Chattogram and Sylhet in Bangladesh, and Kathmandu in Nepal.
India have been placed in Group A alongside Ireland, West Indies and co-hosts Nepal. Co-hosts Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will play the tournament opener on January 21. Australia, the runners-up in the previous edition, will face Nigeria in Sylhet on the same day.
In Kathmandu, Sri Lanka will take on Scotland at the Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground, followed by England’s match against the United States. Nepal will begin their campaign against Ireland on January 22. New Zealand will face Samoa, while South Africa will meet Pakistan in Chattogram on the same day.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said the Under-19 World Cup provides a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent and progress towards elite international careers.
He said the selection of Bangladesh and Nepal as co-hosts reflected the ICC’s commitment to developing the global cricket ecosystem. Their strong passion for cricket and the fact that nearly 40 per cent of their combined populations are below 20 years of age make them suitable hosts for a major youth sporting event, he added.
The group stage will run until January 26, after which qualifying teams will advance to the Super Six stage. The teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the semi-finals on February 4 in Chattogram. February 5 will serve as the reserve day.
The final will be held in Chattogram on February 6, with February 7 designated as its reserve day.