Sharjah: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is gearing up to commence on October 3, with ten teams poised to battle it out across the United Arab Emirates. The tournament opener will see Bangladesh face Scotland at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, culminating with the final in Dubai on October 20.
According to International Cricket Council, the teams secured their spots through various qualification events and past performances. Bangladesh initially qualified as hosts before the venue was shifted to the UAE. Six teams, including reigning champions Australia, secured their places based on their performances at the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. Australia continues its dominance, having not lost a match since 2020, while South Africa reached their first-ever final last year.
England, 2009 champions, and India, who narrowly missed the final in a thrilling semifinal against Australia, both qualified after strong showings in the previous World Cup. West Indies and New Zealand, both past finalists, secured their spots as third-placed teams in their respective groups. Pakistan was the next highest-ranked side in the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings as of February 2023.
Sri Lanka and Scotland qualified through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in May, with Sri Lanka overcoming host South Africa in their opening match of the 2023 tournament and Scotland making their first appearance after a strong performance in the Europe Qualifier.