The tournament will begin on October 3, with 23 matches leading up to the final in Dubai on October 20. The event will see heavyweights like current champions Australia and traditional favourites England and South Africa duke it out for the prestigious title. Meanwhile, rising stars in women's cricket such as India, New Zealand, and Scotland will also look to upset the status quo and clinch their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title. Women's T20 World Cup: Group stage overview The 10 teams are divided into two groups: Group A:

• Australia
• India
• New Zealand
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka

Group B:

• Bangladesh
• England
• Scotland
• South Africa
• West Indies

Each nation will play four group matches, and only the top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, scheduled for 17-18 October.

Women's T20 World Cup: Who are the favourites? Australia, the reigning six-time champions, enter as the overwhelming favourites, but the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket will see teams like England, South Africa, West Indies, and India also challenging for the trophy. Australia, the world's top-ranked T20I team, have been nothing short of dominant. Captained by Alyssa Healy, they boast a squad stacked with talent, including:

• Ash Gardner
• Beth Mooney
• Alyssa Healy

All of these players are former Player of the Series winners. Beth Mooney, ranked as the world's No. 1 batter, and Ash Gardner, an all-rounder who thrives in all formats, make Australia formidable opponents. However, Australia are in the tougher Group A, with competitive teams like India and New Zealand. Their biggest challenge might come from England, who won the first Women's T20 World Cup in 2009 and have been runners-up three times since. Led by Sophie Ecclestone, the No. 1 ranked bowler in the world, England's bowling attack could pose a significant threat to Australia's batting order.

 South Africa, who reached the final in 2023, will be looking to improve upon their near-miss and have the depth to compete at the highest level. Hayley Matthews of the West Indies, ranked No. 1 all-rounder and third-best batter in the world, will also be a player to watch.

The West Indies, champions in 2016, have consistently reached the semi-final stage in five of the past eight editions of the Women's T20 World Cup. With Hayley Matthews, the No.1 ranked all-rounder in T20I cricket, leading the team, and the return of explosive batter Deandra Dottin, the Caribbean side boasts some of the most dangerous players in the short format. Women's T20 World Cup: What are India's chances of lifting the trophy? India, ranked No. 3 in the world, are also considered a serious contender for the title. Although they haven't played many international matches this year - just seven T20Is, winning four - India has reached the semi-finals in two of the last three editions and were runners-up in 2020. The Women in Blue are hungry to make amends for their semi-final heartbreak in 2023, where captain Harmanpreet Singh's unfortunate run-out cost them dearly against Australia. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will lead a side rich in batting talent. In fact, India's top six batters could be their biggest asset in the UAE. Their bowling attack, particularly their spinners, could also play a crucial role, especially on slower pitches such as in Sharjah. However, India's biggest downfall in this tournament would be the lack of preparation for the team. Team India's run-up to the tournament has been extremely relaxed, with no preparatory matches against top-level teams. This might prove costly in the tournament. Their heavily changed squad will also face a fresh challenge against teams like Australia, England, and others, who will come into the tournament with a strong core team. The last-minute change in venue from Bangladesh to the UAE, and the change in weather and pitch conditions that it entails will also present a challenge to India and all the other teams. Keeping their strengths and weaknesses in mind, Team India will kick off their Women's T20 World Cup campaign on October 4 against New Zealand in Dubai.