The Women’s U23 One Day Trophy stands as India’s most important domestic platform for young female cricketers.
Thirty-six teams across six groups battle it out every March, and this year’s edition promises to showcase the next generation of stars who’ll wear the Indian jersey.
Mumbai enters as defending champions after their commanding 113-run victory over Madhya Pradesh in last year’s final.
But teams like Bengal, Haryana, and Uttarakhand aren’t far behind.
The tournament runs from March 5 to March 26, 2026, with knockout matches hosted at two grounds in Guwahati.
Women’s U23 One Day Trophy 2026 Teams
Tournament Format and Structure
The BCCI organizes this 50-over tournament with a clear knockout pathway. Six groups of six teams each compete in a round-robin format during the group stage. Each team plays five matches against their group opponents.
Teams earn four points for a win. If rain washes out a match, both sides share two points.
Net run rate becomes the tiebreaker when teams finish on equal points — a rule that often decides which sides advance and which go home early.
The top two from each group qualify for the knockouts.
That’s twelve teams moving forward to the pre-quarter-finals on March 17. Four pre-quarter-finals lead to four quarter-finals, then two semi-finals, and finally the title match on March 26.
Women’s U23 One Day Trophy 2026 Teams List
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Haryana, Saurashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Kerala, Meghalaya |
| Group B | Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram |
| Group C | Bengal, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Pondicherry, Nagaland |
| Group D | Uttarakhand, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Hyderabad, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Group E | Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Chandigarh, Sikkim, Bihar |
| Group F | Andhra, Mumbai, Baroda, Tamil Nadu, Manipur, Vidarbha |
Group A Breakdown
Haryana arrives as the 2024 champions under captain Sonia Mendhiya.
Their bowling depth and batting lineup make them favorites again.
Kerala’s spin attack gives them an edge in 50-over cricket, while Punjab brings aggressive batting. Odisha showed strong form in the U23 T20 Trophy and looks ready to convert that into this format.
Saurashtra’s disciplined approach under T Dharani shouldn’t be underestimated.
Meghalaya gains exposure against stronger sides — every match helps their development program grow.
Group B Contenders
Uttar Pradesh reached the semi-finals in 2024 and captain Shipra Giri brings that experience back.
Karnataka operates one of India’s best women’s cricket academies, and their pace attack troubles batting lineups regularly.
Jharkhand’s mix of pace and spin creates problems for opponents.
Jammu & Kashmir continues building through dedicated coaching camps.
Goa focuses on progress with each tournament, while Mizoram represents the emerging northeast cricket scene.
Group C Title Challengers
Bengal lost the 2024 semi-final to Haryana by just one run.
That heartbreak will fuel captain Piyali Ghosh and her squad this time. Delhi produces national-level talent year after year, and several players here have caught selectors’ attention.
Maharashtra targets a knockout berth with batting depth and bowling variety.
Gujarat relies on an all-round approach, Pondicherry carries T20 Trophy confidence into this format, and Nagaland performed well in shorter formats already.
Group D Dynamics
Uttarakhand made the semi-finals in 2024 under Kanchan Parihar’s leadership.
Their balanced squad performs in both departments.
Assam’s bowlers exploit helpful pitches well, while Himachal Pradesh’s disciplined bowling supports their batting efforts.
Hyderabad selected their squad through open trials — a transparent process that built team unity.
Chhattisgarh focuses on securing key group wins, and Arunachal Pradesh gains valuable exposure with each tournament appearance.
Group E Competition
Madhya Pradesh reached the 2024–25 final before losing to Mumbai.
Captain Soumya Tiwari leads a deep talent pool that sets big totals and defends them with varied bowling. Rajasthan fields balanced combinations every year.
Chandigarh’s compact setup allows focused training.
Tripura, Sikkim, and Bihar represent growing cricket movements in their regions, with each tournament building experience for future editions.
Group F Defending Champions
Mumbai won it all last year. Captain Khushi keeps wickets and leads a squad with depth everywhere.
Their 113-run final victory showed complete dominance. Tamil Nadu’s spin stocks and batting intelligence make them dangerous on turning tracks.
Andhra runs selection trials across the state to identify talent.
Baroda aims for a knockout spot, Manipur represents the northeast’s passion, and Vidarbha’s bowlers can exploit home conditions when needed.
Women’s U23 One Day Trophy 2026 Teams Players to Watch
Mumbai’s Khushi balances captaincy and wicketkeeping duties brilliantly.
Haryana’s Sonia Mendhiya brings championship experience. Bengal’s Piyali Ghosh wants to erase that one-run semi-final loss from memory.
Madhya Pradesh’s Soumya Tiwari leads a squad hungry for redemption after the final defeat.
Karnataka’s pace attack, Delhi’s national-level prospects, and Tamil Nadu’s spinners all deserve close attention.
Young players from northeastern states — Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur — use this platform to announce themselves. Every edition sees at least one breakout performer from these emerging regions.
Tactical View: What Wins U23 50-Over Cricket
The 50-over format at U23 level rewards patience and partnerships. Teams that build strong opening stands put scoreboard pressure on opponents.
Middle-order stability separates knockout teams from group-stage exits.
Bowling units need variety.
Pace bowlers set the tone up front, but spinners control the middle overs — that 20-to-40-over phase where batters look to accelerate. Death bowling often decides close matches.
Captains who manage bowling changes well and use field placements intelligently gain advantages.
At this age group, mental composure under pressure matters just as much as skill. Teams that handle tight finishes better usually advance further.
Women’s U23 One Day Trophy 2026 Teams Venue and Schedule
Twenty venues across India host the group stage from March 5 onwards.
The BCCI spreads matches geographically to minimize travel and give home advantages where appropriate.
The knockout stage moves entirely to Guwahati starting March 17.
Two grounds in the city will host all pre-quarter-finals, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final on March 26.
This centralized knockout format creates a mini-tournament atmosphere and reduces logistical complications.
Where to Follow Women’s U23 One Day Trophy 2026 Teams Score
The tournament doesn’t have live television or streaming coverage. Fans can track live scores on the BCCI’s official website, which updates ball-by-ball during matches.
The BCCI’s social media channels share scorecards and highlights from key matches.
For the women’s u23 one day trophy 2026 teams live updates, Twitter and Instagram remain the best real-time sources during knockout matches.
Expert Insight: Development Pathway Impact
This tournament functions as a critical talent pipeline.
Selectors watch closely because players who dominate here often move to senior state teams within months.
The jump from U23 to senior cricket isn’t far.
The 50-over format teaches young players match awareness that T20 cricket doesn’t always demand.
Building an innings over 40 overs, rotating strike during pressure phases, and bowling ten-over spells — these skills prepare players for international cricket’s demands.
Teams from smaller states gain exposure they can’t get elsewhere.
A Mizoram batter facing Karnataka’s pace attack learns more in one match than a full season of local cricket teaches.
That exposure accelerates development across India’s cricket landscape.
FAQ
- Which team won the Women’s U23 One Day Trophy in 2024–25?
Mumbai won the title by defeating Madhya Pradesh by 113 runs in the final at North Guwahati.
- How many teams participate in the Women’s U23 One Day Trophy 2026?
Thirty-six teams compete, divided into six groups of six teams each.
- When does the Women’s U23 One Day Trophy 2026 start?
The tournament runs from March 5 to March 26, 2026, with the final scheduled for March 26.
- Where can I watch the Women’s U23 One Day Trophy live?
There’s no live broadcast, but fans can follow ball-by-ball scores on the BCCI’s official website and social media channels.
- How do teams qualify for the knockout stage?
The top two teams from each group advance to the pre-quarter-finals based on points and net run rate.
Final Thoughts
The Women’s U23 One Day Trophy 2026 teams represent every corner of India’s cricket map.
From Mumbai’s defending champions to northeastern states building their programs, this tournament showcases depth and ambition.
Thirty-six squads will battle through 90 group matches before twelve advance to knockouts.
Some will chase glory, others will gain invaluable experience.
Either way, India’s women’s cricket future looks bright when you see the talent on display across these teams.
