ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier: Intense Battle for Semi-Final Spots in Group B
Key Highlights:
- Full tournament fixtures are available in the ICC Online Media Zone
- Earlier media releases on the event are available here
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, supported by Dream11, is set to take place in Abu Dhabi. The two finalists will secure their spots in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Bangladesh later this year.
The Qualifier features 10 teams, divided into two groups of five. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, with the winners confirming their trip to Bangladesh.
Group A consists of Scotland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, and the USA, while Group B comprises Ireland, the Netherlands, the UAE, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe.
Group B: Ireland and Netherlands are Favourites, UAE Eyes Home Advantage
Despite a disappointing performance in last year’s T20 World Cup, Ireland and the Netherlands are the favourites to progress from Group B. Both teams have a wealth of experience and quality, with Ireland currently ranked 10th in the ICC Women’s T20I Rankings.
The Netherlands, ranked 15th, will open their campaign against Vanuatu at Tolerance Oval on 27 April, following warm-up matches against Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Hosts UAE, currently ranked 16th, are hoping to leverage their home conditions and extended preparation period to challenge the favourites. The UAE will face Vanuatu and the USA, and aim to secure at least one victory against Ireland or the Netherlands to progress to the semi-finals.
Vanuatu, making their debut in the Qualifier, secured their spot with an impressive performance in their Regional Qualifiers. Despite being the least experienced and lowest-ranked team in the event, they hope to make a big impression and upset some of the more formidable sides in the tournament.
Zimbabwe, currently ranked 13th, are set to provide a tough fight to their Group B opponents. Wins against Vanuatu and the UAE could give them an outside chance of securing a semi-final spot, provided they can upset one of the more accomplished sides – Ireland and the Netherlands.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier Warm-Up Fixtures:
Sunday, 21 April:
- Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00
- Thailand vs UAE, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 19h00
- Zimbabwe vs USA, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 15h00
- Ireland vs Scotland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 19h00
- Uganda vs Vanuatu, Mohan Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00
Tuesday, 23 April:
- Uganda vs UAE, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00
- Sri Lanka vs Vanuatu, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 19h00
- Thailand vs Netherlands, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 15h00
- Zimbabwe vs Scotland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 19h00
- Ireland vs USA, Mohan Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00