Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup 2027: India to begin title defence against West Indies, full schedule announced
India U19 women’s cricket team preparing for the Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup 2027 title defence against West Indies
India will begin its campaign at the Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup 2027 against West Indies on January 22, as the defending champions prepare to chase a historic third consecutive title. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal from January 21 to February 6, 2027.
The Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup 2027 full schedule features 16 teams divided into four groups, with matches set to be played across venues in Bangladesh and Nepal. India have been placed in Group A alongside West Indies, Ireland and co-hosts Nepal, while arch-rivals Pakistan will compete in Group B with South Africa, New Zealand and Samoa.
India enter the competition as the team to beat after winning the first two editions, held in 2023 and 2025. With another trophy within reach, the young Indian side will look to maintain its dominance and extend the country’s impressive record in the tournament.
The competition will also offer emerging players from across the world an opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage. For several youngsters, the tournament could become an important stepping stone toward senior international cricket.
Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup 2027: All four groups
The 16 participating teams have been divided into four groups of four teams each. The group-stage matches will run until January 26, with the leading teams progressing to the Super Six stage.
Group A: India, Ireland, West Indies and Nepal
Group B: South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and Samoa
Group C: Australia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and United Arab Emirates
Group D: England, Sri Lanka, United States and Scotland
India will face three different challenges in Group A. West Indies will provide the opening test, Nepal will have the advantage of playing on home soil, and Ireland will offer another opportunity for India to build momentum before the next stage.
Pakistan’s campaign will begin against South Africa on January 22. Their group also includes New Zealand and Samoa, setting up an important early contest between established women’s cricket nations.
The group-stage format means every match will matter. A strong start can help teams carry confidence into the Super Six round, where the competition for semifinal places will become more intense.
India’s complete Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup 2027 schedule
India will play all three of their group-stage matches at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur, Nepal.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 22, 2027 | India vs West Indies | Kirtipur |
| January 24, 2027 | Nepal vs India | Kirtipur |
| January 26, 2027 | India vs Ireland | Kirtipur |
India’s opening match against West Indies will be particularly important as the defending champions look to establish their rhythm early in the tournament. Their second fixture against Nepal could attract considerable attention, with the co-hosts aiming to make the most of home conditions.
The final group match against Ireland will complete India’s first-round schedule. Depending on the results, the team will then prepare for the Super Six stage, where the margin for error is likely to become smaller.
For fans following India’s title defence, January 22, 24 and 26 will be key dates to remember. The team will need consistent performances with both bat and ball to keep its campaign on track.
Super Six stage and knockout schedule
The group stage will conclude on January 26, followed by the Super Six round from January 27 to February 2. The teams that qualify will be divided into two Super Six groups, and the top two sides from each group will advance to the semifinals.
This format will test the consistency of every contender. Teams will have to manage pressure, adapt to different opponents and make the most of their opportunities if they want to reach the final.
The semifinals are scheduled for February 4 at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, Bangladesh. February 5 has been designated as the reserve day for the semifinals.
The final will take place on February 6 at 1:30 p.m. local time in Chattogram, with February 7 reserved in case the match cannot be completed as scheduled.
Key dates for the Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup 2027:
- January 21: Tournament begins.
- January 22: India play their opening match against West Indies.
- January 26: Group-stage matches conclude.
- January 27 to February 2: Super Six stage.
- February 4: Semifinals.
- February 5: Semifinal reserve day.
- February 6: Final.
- February 7: Final reserve day.
A total of 41 matches will be played during the competition across four venues in Chattogram, Sylhet and Kathmandu.
India aim for a historic third consecutive title
India’s record in the Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup makes them one of the leading contenders for the 2027 edition. The team won the inaugural tournament in 2023 and successfully defended its crown in 2025.
In the 2023 final, India defeated England by seven wickets. England were dismissed for just 68, and India chased the target with seven wickets remaining, finishing on 69 for three in 14 overs.
Two years later, India continued their impressive run by defeating South Africa by nine wickets in the 2025 final. South Africa managed 82 runs before India’s batters completed the chase with nine wickets in hand.
Those victories established India as the first two-time champions of the competition. A third consecutive title in 2027 would further strengthen the country’s reputation for developing young women’s cricket talent.
However, past success will not guarantee another trophy. The team will need to build a fresh campaign, with new performances and partnerships determining how far it progresses.
The tournament also comes at an important time for women’s cricket, as international competitions and domestic pathways continue to create opportunities for younger players. Strong performances at the Under-19 level can help players gain recognition and move closer to senior cricket.
Bangladesh and Nepal to host 16 teams
The decision to stage the tournament across Bangladesh and Nepal gives the competition a wider regional footprint. Nepal will host matches at the TU International Cricket Stadium and Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground in Kathmandu, while Bangladesh will stage games in Chattogram and Sylhet.
The four venues are the Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium and Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Bangladesh, along with the two grounds in Kathmandu.
For Nepal, co-hosting a major ICC women’s event offers an opportunity to bring international youth cricket to local audiences and increase exposure for the women’s game. Bangladesh, which has an established international cricket infrastructure, will also play a central role in staging the tournament.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta highlighted the competition’s importance in developing the next generation of cricketers. He said the event gives young players the chance to compete at the highest level in their age group and gain valuable experience on the global stage.
The tournament will feature established cricketing nations alongside emerging teams such as Nigeria, Samoa and the United Arab Emirates. Their participation reflects the ICC’s broader ambition to expand the game and create more opportunities for young women around the world.
Can India complete a title hat-trick?
India will enter the 2027 tournament with confidence, but the road to a third championship will require consistent performances throughout the group stage and Super Six round.
West Indies will be India’s first opponents, followed by Nepal and Ireland. Securing early wins would put the defending champions in a strong position before the competition moves into its decisive phase.
Australia, the runners-up in the previous edition, will also be among the teams looking to challenge India’s dominance. England, South Africa and New Zealand could provide further competition as the tournament progresses.
For fans, the biggest attraction will be whether India can maintain their unbeaten championship legacy and become the first team to win three consecutive editions of the Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup.
The full schedule is now confirmed, giving teams time to plan their preparations ahead of the January 2027 start. Squad announcements and player selections will provide further clues about the teams’ ambitions as the tournament approaches.
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