India to Open Title Defence Against West Indies as ICC Unveils 2027 Under-19 World Cup Schedule

India will begin their pursuit of a third consecutive Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup title against West Indies on January 22, with the 2027 edition set to be co-hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.

The ICC announced the schedule on Wednesday, confirming that 16 teams will contest 41 matches across four venues in Chattogram, Sylhet and Kathmandu. The tournament runs from January 21 to February 6.

India, winners of both previous editions, enter the competition with a formidable record. Shafali Verma led the side to the inaugural title in South Africa in 2023, while Niki Prasad captained the team to success in Malaysia in 2025. They have been placed in Group A alongside Ireland, West Indies and co-hosts Nepal.

Opening Day Fixtures

The tournament opens on January 21 with four matches. Bangladesh, the other host nation, will face UAE in the morning at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, followed by Australia taking on Nigeria at the same venue in the afternoon. In Kathmandu, Sri Lanka will play Scotland at Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground, before England meet USA.

India’s opener against West Indies on January 22 is preceded by Ireland’s match against Nepal at the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu.

The groups are completed by Group B, which comprises South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and Samoa, and Group C, featuring Australia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and the UAE. England, Sri Lanka, USA and Scotland make up Group D.

Format and Progression

The group stage runs until January 26. Three qualifying teams from each group will then progress to the Super Six stage, where they will be split into two groups. The top two from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Both semi-finals are scheduled for February 4 at the Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, with February 5 designated as a reserve day. The final will take place on February 6 at 1:30 PM local time, with February 7 kept as a reserve day.

A Platform for the Future

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta framed the tournament as a springboard for young players seeking 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,” Gupta said.

“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.”

For India, the challenge is twofold. They must navigate a group that includes the host nation Nepal and a West Indies side eager to disrupt their rhythm early, before confronting the knockout pressures of a tournament they have never failed to win. The defence begins in Kathmandu, where Ireland and Nepal will have already set the tone for the competition.

                                               

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