New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday announced the fixtures of the men’s and women’s T20 World Cup 2020 to be held in Australia.

The Indian men’s cricket team is in Group 2, which also includes England, South Africa, Afghanistan and two qualifiers. India’s campaign will begin with a tricky match against South Africa while the Indian women’s team will face a stiff challenge in its tournament opener, taking on defending champions and hosts Australia. India women are in Group A along with Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Qualifier 1.

The T20 World Cups are being held in the same year and in the same country for the first time, with the men’s and women’s finals to be played at one of the world’s biggest stadiums, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Ten women’s teams will play in 23 matches from February 21 to March 8, with reigning champions Australia to clash with India in the opening game in Sydney.

The men’s competition, from October 18 to November 15, will feature several qualifying matches before Australia kick off the Super 12 group stages on October 24 against top-ranked Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).