India Women's T20 World Cup 2026 schedule — Every match date, venue and time you need to know

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest and most exciting edition in the history of the tournament. England and Wales will host the tournament from 12 June to 5 July, with the best women's cricket teams for almost a month of high-quality cricket. Seven iconic venues will welcome a total of 12 teams, and this stands as the largest ever Women's T20 World Cup. 

This tournament holds even more importance for Indian cricket fans. The Women in blue will enter into the tournament with a confident mindset after their win of the 2025 ODI World Cup. That win transformed the mentality of the team and demonstrated that India can win in major ICC events. With experienced players and talented youngsters in the squad, many believe this could finally be India's year in the shortest format as well.

The tournament promises several blockbuster matches. India will begin their campaign against Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 14 before taking on South Africa, Bangladesh, Netherlands and six-time champions Australia. The clash against Australia at Lord's on June 28 is expected to be one of the biggest group-stage matches of the entire tournament. The competition will conclude with a historic final at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 5.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Tournament overview

The 10th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026  is a significant milestone for women’s cricket. The trophy is up for grabs for 12 teams for the first time, highlighting how quickly the women’s game is growing across the globe.

History of the Women's T20 World Cup

The Women’s T20 World Cup began in 2009 in England. England was the first host for the tournament and also the first champion of women's T20 world cup. Since then, the competition has expanded and grown in popularity throughout the world. 

At the start, only a few teams were good enough to challenge for the trophy. But women’s cricket has grown rapidly on a global scale. Today, There are a lot of teams that can now really compete for big trophies.

See Also: Most Runs in Women's T20 World Cup History — All-Time Top 10 Batters Updated 2026

Australia have won the Women’s T20 World Cup six times, making them by far the most successful team to ever play in this competition. Their great batting skills, bowling, and winning attitude have helped make them one of the greatest cricket teams of all time.

The West Indies made history in 2016 after beating Australia in the finals of the competition. It was one of the biggest surprises in the tournament’s history.

The 2020 World Cup in Australia was also very special. More than 86,000 fans watched the final between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

In 2024, New Zealand won their first Women’s T20 World Cup by beating South Africa in the final. Today the women’s cricket is developing at a rapid pace, attracting more fans, sponsors and girls playing the game. 

India's journey in Women's T20 World Cups

India has been among the top teams in women's cricket in the last few years. They are yet to win the Women’s T20 World Cup but the team has given the fans several nail-biting moments. Their best showing was in 2020, when India went to the final for the first time. The team played fearless cricket and beat many big teams on the way. 

Young batter Shafali Verma emerged as the biggest star with her fearless approach to batting. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led her team with a lot of confidence while the bowlers too made their contribution in many matches. However, Australia were too strong and defeated India easily. In 2023, India again suffered disappointment after losing to Australia in the semi-final. The situation became worse in 2024 when India failed to reach the knockout stage.

Everything changed in 2025 when India won the Women’s ODI World Cup. That memorable triumph gave the team more belief that they could also bag big ICC tournaments. Now, fans and experts feel India have enough quality, experience and hunger to win the Women’s T20 World Cup as well. 

Why the 2026 tournament is special

The 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup will be special for many reasons. For the first time, 12 teams will play in the tournament instead of 10. That allowes more countries to play at the top level and helped women's cricket to grow globally. Supporters will also be able to watch more games and new sides take on the best teams. 

Another interesting aspect is the return of the tournament to England. England staged the inaugural Women's T20 World Cup in 2009, and now it will host the tournament again after a long gap. The women’s game is very popular in England and so large crowds are expected at various grounds all through the competition.

See Also: ICC Women's T20 World Cup all-time winners list & history — Every champion from 2009 to 2024

The final will be held at the renowned Lord’s Cricket Ground, which is widely regarded as the home of cricket. Every player wants to play at Lord’s and to win a World Cup there would be very special. The Netherlands will make their first-ever T20 World Cup appearance in the Women's tournament as well, indicating that more nations are embracing women's cricket. 

How the teams are divided in Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Officially, the ICC divided the 12 competing teams into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2) of six teams each. The first two teams of each group will advance to the semi-finals. Group 1 is generally looking like more difficult group, as it includes heavyweights India, Australia and South Africa, while group 2 features hosts England and reigning champions New Zealand. 

The seven venues of ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Edgbaston, Birmingham

Edgbaston is one of the best-known cricket grounds in England. It was the venue for the first Women's Cricket World Cup final in 1973, and will host the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan fixture in 2026. The stadium is able to accommodate about 25,000 people. 

Old Trafford, Manchester

Old Trafford has an electric atmosphere and a great cricketing history. India are scheduled to play South Africa and Bangladesh at the ground. The stadium holds around 26,000 spectators.

Headingley, Leeds

The cricket ground in Headingley has hosted a number of memorable Ashes battles over the ages. India's group-stage match against the Netherlands will be played here. The venue has a capacity of 18,350.

Rose Bowl, Southampton

The Rose Bowl is one of England's most modern cricket stadiums. It will host several important group-stage matches and has a capacity of around 25,000 spectators.

County Ground, Bristol

Bristol's County Ground has become an important venue for women's cricket and also hosted matches during the 2017 Women's ODI World Cup. The ground can hold approximately 17,500 spectators.

The Oval, London

The Oval cricket stadium is one of the oldest and most historic stadiums in England. Both semi-finals of the tournament will be played here on June 30 and July 2. The stadium has a capacity of around 27,500.

Lord's, London

Lord's is the most iconic ground in world cricket. The venue has a capacity of over 31,000 and will be the venue for India's game against Australia and the final on July 5. This is the first time the final returns to Lord's since the tournament's inaugural edition in 2009

India's full match schedule at ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

India have been placed into Group A, where they will play five matches. The first match of the tournament for the women in Blue is an electrifying encounter against Pakistan, followed by matches against the Netherlands, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia. All the matches of India in the group stage have been set for 7 PM IST.

India's most challenging match on paper is vs Australia on 28th June at Lord's. Australia are six-time champions and a powerhouse in women’s cricket. This fixture could determine the top team in Group A.

See Also: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 — Full Squads of All 10 Teams Announced

The first game against Pakistan is just as crucial. Winning in such a high-stakes encounter would certainly give India the confidence and momentum going into the rest of the tournament.

As all India’s games start at 7.00 pm IST, cricket enthusiasts across the country will be able to catch the match during prime-time television hours.

Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Matches you can't miss

India vs Pakistan – June 14

Whenever India and Pakistan meet, the cricket world pays attention. This match is more than just a game because both teams need early points in Group 1. A victory here could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.

Australia vs South Africa – June 13

This fixture is a replay of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup semi-final. Both sides are among the best in the competition, promising that could be one of the opening week highlights.

South Africa vs India – June 21

This contest carries extra significance as India beat South Africa in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup Final. South Africa will be eager to prove a point and gain revenge.

England vs New Zealand – June 27

Hosts England take on defending champions New Zealand in what could be the most important Group 2 match. The result may play a major role in deciding the semi-final qualifiers.

Australia vs India – June 28

Many fans consider this the biggest group-stage match of the tournament. Australia have often blocked India's path in ICC events, making this clash even more important. A win here would be a major statement from the Women in Blue.

India's chances of winning the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

India will go into the competition with high expectations to win the trophy. The side boasts experience, power batsmen and leaders who have performed well on the big stage. Indian cricket’s biggest strength is the depth in the batting lineup. Players like  such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues can turn the game just like that with the bat. Winning the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025 also gave the team a lot of confidence and belief.

But the challenge is not that easy. India are in Group 1, with powerhouses Australia and South Africa. Both teams have a good track record in world tournaments and will be tough opposition. India will have to be consistent and finish in the top two to qualify for the semi-finals. 

See Also: Most Wickets in Women's T20 World Cup History — All-Time Top Bowlers List Updated 2026

Previously, India have made it to the knockout stages on several occasions but never bagged the title. The 2026 tournament gives them a further chance to make history. Topping the group, after all, could also help India avoid tougher teams in the semi-finals. Conditions in England may be tough too as the pitches frequently assist swing bowlers. Indian players, however, will need to adjust quickly to succeed.

India Squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Bharti Fulmali, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nandani Sharma, Radha Yadav.

How to watch ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in India

Fans from India can witness the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 via JioStar. Television viewers will be able to see all the action on live TV broadcasts via Star Sports network.

All India group-stage matches will start at 7:00 PM IST, making them perfect for prime-time viewing. Semi-final matches will be played at The Oval on June 30 and July 2, and the final match at Lord’s on July 5.