UAE to open Women’s T20 World Cup qualifier campaign against Thailand

National team also drawn against Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe in Group B of eight-team tournament

The UAE will compete against seven teams for two places at next year’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. Courtesy Malaysia Cricket

The UAE will open their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifier campaign against Thailand after the schedule for the eight-team tournament was released on Wednesday.

Taking place from September 18-25 in Abu Dhabi, the tournament also comprises Scotland, United States, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Papua New Guinea, with the top two teams advancing to next year’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Bangladesh and Thailand, who played in the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2020 and qualified for this tournament on that basis, are the two leading teams in the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings and are drawn in different groups.

The top two teams from each group will make the semi-finals and both finalists will book their places in the T20 World Cup, where Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and hosts South Africa await.

Hosts UAE, placed in Group B, will play Thailand at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on the opening day, while Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea will contest the other group match at the adjacent Tolerance Oval on the same day.

The matches at the Tolerance Oval will be the first full internationals at the ground since it was given ICC accreditation, while the Zayed Cricket Stadium will host the final as well as both semi-finals.

“This T20 World Cup Qualifier is going to be a fantastic event with eight closely matched teams competing for just two places at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa next year," ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley said. "The level of competitiveness in the women’s game has increased significantly over the last four years and with every ICC region represented in Abu Dhabi it will be a tough fought event."

Matt Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub, added: "Female participation is a central pillar for us and we're pleased to boast over 2,300 women and girls playing 11 sports or practicing physical exercise on a weekly basis at Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub.

"The hosting of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers will once again inspire our sport's community and showcase just how brilliant elite women's sport is.

"Our thanks to the ICC and the ECB for their confidence in Abu Dhabi. Partnering with global rights holders is one of our key objectives and our hosting of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier further demonstrates our commitment to bringing major sporting events to Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub."