Ban-Pak-Ind in same group in World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the full schedule of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup. This year, 12 teams are participating in this tournament, divided into two groups of six. A tough challenge awaits Bangladesh, because in Group No. 1, they have been paired with subcontinental rivals India and Pakistan, as well as Australia, South Africa and the Netherlands. As a result, three of the four Asian teams have been placed in the same group.

Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana Joty, will play five matches in the group stage at five different venues. Bangladesh's World Cup campaign will begin with a match against the Netherlands at Edgbaston on June 14, which will start at 3:30pm Bangladesh time. Then, Joty's team will face Australia in Leeds on June 17, the match will be held at the same time.

Bangladesh's third match in the group stage is against Pakistan in Hampshire on June 20, which will start at 7:30pm Bangladesh time. After a four-day break, Bangladesh will face India in Manchester on June 25, starting at the same time. Bangladesh will play their final group match against South Africa at Lord's on June 28, starting at 3:30pm Bangladesh time.

The other group includes England, West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Scotland. The tournament will begin with England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12. After the group stage, two semi-finals will be held at the Oval in London on June 30 and July 2. The first semi-final will start at 7:30pm Bangladesh time and the second at 11:30pm Bangladesh time. The final will be held at Lord's on July 5, starting at 7:30pm Bangladesh time.

New Zealand last won the Women's T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2024, defeating South Africa.