Will the ICC Women’s T20 WC 2026 Qualifier Start on January 18?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Qualifying tournament for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
- Hosted in Nepal from January 18 to February 1.
- Ten competing teams will battle for four spots.
- Warm-up matches set for January 14 and 16.
- Group stage concludes on January 26.
Dubai, Jan 7 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has completed the schedule for the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026, which includes the vital Super Six stage. A total of ten teams will converge in Nepal from January 18 to February 1, competing for four coveted spots in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted in England and Wales during June and July.
Warm-up matches are planned for January 14 and 16 across three venues: Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground, and Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground.
Once the group stage kicks off on January 18, competitive matches will only take place at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground and Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground.
In the opening matches, Nepal will take on Thailand, while Bangladesh will face the USA at 9 am local time. The afternoon matches will see Zimbabwe square off against the Netherlands and Ireland challenging Papua New Guinea at 1 pm local time.
Scotland and Namibia are set to play their first matches on January 20. The group stage will feature four matches every other day and will conclude on January 26. The top three teams from both Group A and Group B will progress to the Super Six.
The decisive matches to determine the four qualifiers are scheduled for January 28, January 30, and February 1.
In Group A, the teams include the USA, Bangladesh, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, and Namibia, while Group B comprises Nepal, Thailand, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, and Scotland.
Once the top three teams from each group reach the Super Six stage, they will compete in three additional matches, facing each of the three teams that qualified from the opposing group. The semi-finalists of the qualifiers will secure their places in the T20 World Cup scheduled for later this year.
New Zealand currently holds the title of T20 World Cup champions, having triumphed in 2024 by defeating South Africa in the final. This victory marks a significant milestone, as it introduced a new champion alongside Australia, England, and West Indies in the tournament's history.