Countdown for Women World Cup starts

West Indies cricketers
West Indies cricketers celebrate with the trophy after winning against Autralia during the final of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2016 cricket tournament at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Associated Press / Saurabh Das/ File
The 30-day countdown for next month’s women T20 World Cup the international cricket show piece has begun in South Africa. The West Indies women will contest Group 2 of the Feb. 10-26 tournament alongside England, 2020 losing finalists India, Ireland and Pakistan.
Group 1 comprises host South Africa, the title holder Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
“It is exciting that we are only 30 days away until the start of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup when the best cricketers from around the world will compete for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket,” said ICC Head of Events, Chris Hedley.
Leading South African artistes are expected to make appearance during the tournament, headlining robust entertainment packages top tier matches.
South Africa raises the curtain on the tournament on Feb. 10 with a clash against Sri Lanka in Cape Town, with the West Indies getting their campaign up and running the following day against Paarl. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for Cape Town.