India to begin U19 Women’s T20 World Cup defence vs West Indies

India will open their defence of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup against the West Indies on 22 January at TU International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu, the ICC has announced. India are two-time defending champions.

The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 will be played in Bangladesh and Nepal from 21 January to 6 February. Sixteen teams will contest 41 matches across venues in Chattogram, Sylhet and Kathmandu.

Group A and the format

India are in Group A with Ireland, West Indies and co-hosts Nepal. PTI reports that Nepal will start their campaign against Ireland on 22 January.

The group stage runs through 26 January. The qualifying teams then move into the Super Six stage, split into two groups, and the top two sides from each group reach the semi-finals.

Knockout dates

The semi-finals are scheduled for 4 February at the Chattogram stadium, with 5 February kept as the reserve day. The final is on 6 February, with 7 February as the reserve day.

India’s group

For India, the first task in Kathmandu is the West Indies on 22 January. Group A also includes Ireland and Nepal, so the title defence begins in a four-team pool.