India open U19 Women's World Cup title defence against West Indies on January 22
India begin title defence against West Indies on January 22
India will begin their bid for a third consecutive ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup title against the West Indies on January 22, with the 2027 edition co-hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal from January 21 to February 6. The International Cricket Council announced the schedule on Wednesday (October 21).
Sixteen teams will compete in 41 matches across four venues in Chattogram, Sylhet and Kathmandu (two stadiums). India, who have won both previous editions - South Africa 2023 (led by Shafali Verma) and Malaysia 2025 (led by Niki Prasad) - are placed in Group A alongside Ireland, West Indies and co-hosts Nepal. Ireland will take on Nepal earlier on January 22 at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu.
Groups and opening day
Group B comprises South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and Samoa, while Australia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) form Group C. England, Sri Lanka, the United States of America (USA) and Scotland make up Group D.
The tournament opens on January 21 with four matches. The other hosts, Bangladesh, face the UAE in the morning at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS), followed by Australia taking on Nigeria at the same venue in the afternoon. In Kathmandu, Sri Lanka play Scotland at Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground, before England meet the USA.
Format and knockout stages
The group stage runs until January 26, after which three qualifying teams from each group progress to the Super Six stage. The teams will be split into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The semi-finals are scheduled for February 4 at Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, with February 5 as a reserve day. The final takes place on February 6 at 1:30 PM local time, with February 7 kept as a reserve day.
ICC on the tournament's purpose
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said the tournament would provide a platform for young players to establish themselves on the international stage.
"The ICC U19 World Cup is the stage that showcases the future of our sport and serves as the ultimate platform for young players to make the leap towards elite careers representing their countries.
"These future stars representing 16 teams will garner the world's attention and become relatable role models for many young girls playing the sport, serving inspiration for their continued cricket journeys.
"The choice of our hosts - Bangladesh and Nepal - is also reflective of the ICC's belief and investment in the future of the cricket ecosystem. With deep passion for cricket and nearly 40% of the two countries' populations below the age of 20, they serve as the ideal hosts for one of the world's biggest youth sporting events."