ICC announces match schedule 2012 World Twenty20

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Wednesday announced the match schedule and unveiled the event logo of the World Twenty20 to be staged in Sri Lanka from September 18 to October 7 next year.

Reigning champion England will start their title defence at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo against one of the two qualifiers for the tournament. Stuart Broad’s side will complete its opening group commitments two days later against 2007 champions India at the same venue.

Australia, chasing the one global trophy to have eluded them, will go head-to-head with the other qualifier in Colombo September 19, part of a double-header that also features India and a qualifier.

Sri Lanka, who lost to England in the semi-final of last year’s tournament in the West Indies, will open their campaign against Zimbabwe under lights in Hambantota September 18 before taking on South Africa at the same venue on September 22.

If Sri Lanka reac the Super Eight, they will go on to play in Pallekele before moving to Colombo if they qualify for the knock-out stage.

Pakistan, who won the 2009 tournament in England, have been grouped with New Zealand and Bangladesh, and will play their  matches in Pallekele September 23 and 25 respectively. Pallekele will also host the New Zealand-Bangladesh match September 21.