Bangladesh get the tournament started against debutants Netherlands, while an England-Scotland derby at Headingley headlines the early schedule after today’s release of the completed fixture list.
Group line-up
Group 1: Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Netherlands
Group 2: England, West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland
England and Sri Lanka open proceedings at Edgbaston on 12 June, one of eight grounds spread across England and Wales. New Zealand launch their title defence the following afternoon in Southampton, up against West Indies in a repeat of the 2024 semi-final. Australia face South Africa later the same day in Manchester.
A couple of fixtures stand out straight away. England meet Scotland at Headingley on 20 June – the nations’ first World Cup meeting, men’s or women’s, on English soil. A week earlier, Old Trafford stages an all-Celtic clash between Ireland and Scotland (13 June).
Bangladesh’s path looks demanding. Having drawn into Group 1 through the Nepal qualifier, they begin against the Netherlands at Edgbaston on 14 June, travel north to tackle Australia at Headingley on the 17th, and then meet India in Manchester on the 25th.
“Qualifying for our first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup fills us with an incredible sense of pride and excitement,” Netherlands captain Babette de Leede said. “It feels extra special because, in many ways, it’s almost a ‘home’ World Cup for us. We’re hoping to see a sea of orange in the stands with our families, friends, fans and everyone who has supported Dutch women’s cricket over the years.”
She added that “stepping onto that stage for the very first time will be a milestone for the women’s cricket in the Netherlands, and we hope it inspires young Dutch players to dream big and believe that they, too, can one day represent a successful national team.”
How the 12 were decided
England qualify automatically as hosts, joined by the top five finishers from 2024 – Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies. Pakistan and Sri Lanka booked places via ranking, leaving four berths filled last month when Bangladesh, Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland came through the Kathmandu qualifier.
What happens next
Each side plays five group matches. The top two move into semi-finals on 30 June and 2 July; Lord’s hosts the final on 5 July. The last league match – India v Australia at Lord’s – could well decide semi-final line-ups.
Key dates at a glance
12 June – England v Sri Lanka, Edgbaston
13 June – New Zealand v West Indies, Southampton
14 June – Bangladesh v Netherlands, Edgbaston; India v Pakistan, Edgbaston
17 June – Australia v Bangladesh, Headingley
20 June – England v Scotland, Headingley
25 June – India v Bangladesh, Old Trafford
30 June & 2 July – Semi-finals
5 July – Final, Lord’s
There are still questions – England’s batting depth, India’s spin balance, Australia’s middle-order composure – yet the basic assignment is now clear. Ten venues, 23 days, one trophy.
