SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Group A will open with a replay of the Asia Cup semifinal, where Sri Lanka beat Pakistan.

Meanwhile, England will be firm favorites to advance from Group B. It has been a bare run for the inaugural champion, and under Heather Knight again, the 2009 winners will be keen to get past the semifinals at a minimum.

“It can be an unpredictable tournament,” Knight said. “It is important for us not to change how we play and approach it with a one game at a time mentality.”

Opening its campaign against Bangladesh, England will be wary of the conditions. The hosts have lined up five spinners in its squad, thus indicating what’s potentially in store for the three-week tournament.

South Africa, the runner-up last time, is led this time led by Laura Wolvaardt and will open its campaign against West Indies.

“Reaching our first-ever World Cup final in 2023 was a big landmark moment for us. Now we would like to go that one step further and lift the trophy,” Wolvaardt said.