T20 World Cup 2021: Warm-up matches schedule announced

Even as the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is closing in on its climax, the UAE is gearing up to host the much awaited T20 World Cup. The qualifying round will see eight teams fighting it out from October 17 to 22. The top eight teams are already qualified for the Super 12 round and those sides, during this period will get into the groove with warm-up matches.

The schedule for the same has been announced and the matches will be played only on two days, October 18 and 20 with four matches taking place on each day. Every side will get to play two matches each in the lead up to the Super 12 round starting from October 23.

India will face England and Australia

Team India, led by Virat Kohli, will face England and Australia in their warm-up matches which is good for the team given the strength of both the sides. Pakistan, before facing their arch-rivals in the Super 12 round, will be challenged by the defending champions West Indies and South Africa.

Australia will also face New Zealand in their other warm-up encounter while it will be a repeat of the World Cup 2019 final in England’s other warm-up. In total, 8 matches will be played across two days with Dubai and Abu Dhabi hosting them. As of now, it is confirmed that Star Sports will telecast India’s warm-up matches apart from the main tournament from October 17.

The Super 12 round, meanwhile, will commence with the game between Australia and South Africa while on the same day, the finalists of the 2016 T20 World Cup, England and West Indies will lock horns. The magnitude of matches being played in the UAE is huge at the moment and one will hope for the pitches to last till the end of the mega event.

Here’s the schedule of the warm-up matches

October 18, Monday – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Match 1 – Afghanistan vs South Africa – 3:30 PM IST

Match 2 – New Zealand vs Australia -7:30 PM IST

October 18, Monday – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Match 3 – Pakistan vs West Indies – 3:30 PM IST

Match 4 – India vs England – 7:30 PM IST

October 20, Tuesday – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Match 5 – England vs New Zealand – 3:30 PM IST

Match 6 – South Africa vs Pakistan – 7:30 PM IST

October 20, Tuesday – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Match 7 – India vs Australia – 3:30 PM IST

Match 8 – Afghanistan vs West Indies – 7:30 PM IST