Draws made for England’s men and women in 2016 ICC World T20
Friday 11th December 2015
England will open their 2016 World Twenty20 campaign against West Indies in Mumbai after the ICC announced the men's and women's tournament schedule today.
Kent's Sam Billings will hope to feature for Eoin Morgan’s side, who have won their last six 20-over contests, were drawn in Super 10 Group 1 and will face Sri Lanka, South Africa and the winner of Group B – which includes Zimbabwe and Scotland.
After facing 2010 winners West Indies on March 16, England remain in Mumbai to take on South Africa two days later, before heading to New Delhi to play the winners of Group B on March 23.
The International Cricket Council announced the schedule at the launch ceremony in Mumbai on Friday. The competition will take place at eight venues from March 8 to April 3, with Mumbai and New Delhi staging the semi-finals and Kolkata the final.
The group campaign concludes against Sri Lanka in New Delhi on March 26, with the top two sides progressing to the semi-final.
England women will take on bogey team West Indies in the Women’s World Twenty20 next year after the pair were drawn together in Group B.
Kent captain Charlotte Edwards’ side have failed to win in their last five T20 matches against the Windies, with four defeats and a tie, a run which stretches back to 2012.
England, who won the inaugural event in 2010 and have been beaten finalists in the last two tournaments, have also been drawn alongside hosts India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
They start their campaign against Bangladesh in Bangalore on March 17, before traveling to Dharamsala to face India on March 22 and West Indies on March 24.
The group stage concludes with their contest against Pakistan in Chennai on March 27.
Edwards and Kent colleagues Lydia Greenway and Laura Marsh will be in contention as well as Tammy Beaumont and Tash Farrant, who were also named in the winter performance squad.
With the top two progressing to the semi-finals, there is every chance England could face Australia – who have won the last three stagings – in the knock-out stages, with the defending champions alongside South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Ireland in Group A.