India face Sri Lanka first in Women’s ODI World Cup

New Delhi

India will kick off their Women’s ODI World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on September 30, the ICC announced Monday. The much-awaited India-Pakistan clash will be played on October 5 at a neutral venue, Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.

Pakistan will play all matches in Colombo under a hybrid model agreed by the BCCI and PCB. Defending champions Australia start their title defense against New Zealand in Indore on October 1. Bangladesh face Pakistan a day later.

The round-robin stage concludes on October 26, with India facing Bangladesh in Bengaluru and England clashing with New Zealand in Guwahati. The top four teams move to the semi-finals on October 29 and 30. The final will be on November 2 in either Bengaluru or Colombo.

This is the first time India is hosting the Women’s ODI World Cup since 2013. The eight competing teams are India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the confirmed schedule builds excitement, with record-breaking crowds expected. Key matches include India vs Australia on October 12 in Vizag and Australia vs England on October 22 in Indore.

India’s other group matches include South Africa (Oct 9), Australia (Oct 12), England (Oct 19), New Zealand (Oct 23), and Bangladesh (Oct 26). Semi-final venues depend on team standings, especially Pakistan’s progress.

This tournament promises high-intensity cricket, strong rivalries, and the chance for India to lift the World Cup on home soil.