In its 31-match schedule for the 2021 tournament, published this week, the ICC has allocated reserve days for the semi-finals and final, a day after they are scheduled to take place.

The first semi-final is due to be held on March 3, with a reserve day on March 4.

The second last four encounter at the competition follows on March 4 and a reserve day is scheduled for March 5.

The final is set for March 7 at Hagley Park in Christchurch.

It comes after India progressed to the T20 Women's World Cup final at the expense of England after their semi-final was washed out due to rain.

India were awarded the victory by default after they finished top of Group B, while England were runners-up in Group A.

The ICC had been criticised for not scheduling rest days at the tournament, which concluded with Australia beating India to lift the trophy on Sunday (March 8).

The 2021 Women's Cricket World Cup will open with the first match between New Zealand and a qualifier on February 6.

England begin the defence of their title against Australia the following day.

The tournament will be played in six cities - Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Dunedin, Wellington and Christchurch - and prize money will total NZ$5.5 million (£2.7 million/$3.5 million/€3 million).

"The ICC has made a long-term commitment to elevating women’s cricket as part of our strategy to grow and develop the global game," ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney said.

"We want to build a sustainable foundation for women’s cricket. 

"It is about building a product that fans want to watch, that kids want to take up, that sponsors and broadcasters want to be part of."