India To Start WC Campaign Against Pakistan

India will start their drive against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Women’s ODI World Cup beginning in New Zealand on March 4, the ICC disclosed on Wednesday.

The initial set of matches will see two huge feuds take the middle ground, with Australia going against defending champions England at Seddon Park in Hamilton on March 5, and last edition’s runners-up India will be facing Pakistan in Tauranga on March 6.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the full fixture for the next Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in New Zealand on Tuesday. The striking tournament will start on March 4 with a match between host New Zealand and the West Indies at Bay Oval in Tauranga. A total of 31 games will be competed amongst eight teams over a month to decide who will triumph the World cup. On April 3 the final will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

According to ICC, Australia, England, South Africa, and India were permitted for the event based on their ranks in ICC Women`s Championship 2017-20 while New Zealand on its own qualified as they were hosts.

England is the defending winner, having defeated India in the final of the 2017 session. India will be keeping an eye on the maiden crown after ending runner-up on two events (2005 and 2017). The tournament will also mark the return of the women’s global event since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.