The 10th edition of the Women’s Asia Cup gets underway in Dubai on August 28, with eight teams competing for continental supremacy in the T20I format. The teams have been divided into two groups, with India, Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong, China in Group A, while defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the UAE and Indonesia form Group B. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for September 13.
Sri Lanka enter the tournament as defending champions after beating India in the 2024 final to win their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title. Chamari Athapaththu’s side will now look to become the first Sri Lankan team to successfully defend the crownwhile India remain the most successful side in the competition.
INDIA FACE FRESH CHALLENGE AFTER WORLD CUP DISAPPOINTMENT
For India, the Asia Cup presents an opportunity to bounce back after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, where they were knocked out in the group stage despite producing a statement 64-run victory over Pakistan. Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain, while the squad blends established stars with emerging players.
However, India will be without Jemimah Rodrigues, who suffered a high-grade right hamstring tear while playing for Southern Brave in The Hundred. The batter has been replaced by Pratika Rawal, who returns to the India setup after impressing in the India A setup.
Sri Lanka have also suffered a late setback, with all-rounder Dewmi Vihanga ruled out due to a right knee injury. Left-arm spinner Nimasha Meepage has been called up as her replacement.
Bangladesh left-arm fast bowler Fariha Islam Trisna has also been ruled out of the tournament and Asian Games due to a thigh injury. Farjana Easmin has been called up as her replacement.
India begin their campaign against Thailand on August 30 before facing Hong Kong and Pakistan, with the latter clash on September 5 likely to be the group-stage highlight. With Sri Lanka seeking to retain their crown and India desperate to reclaim it, the tournament promises plenty of intrigue.
When to watch Women’s Asia Cup 2026
Matches in the Women’s Asia Cup will start at 8 PM IST, 2:30 PM local time and 6 PM GMT.
Where to watch Women’s Asia Cup 2026
Sony Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for the Women’s Asia Cup. Live Streaming of the matches will be available on Sony LIV.
All squads for Women’s Asia Cup
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Pratika Rawal
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Sadaf Shamas, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar
Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Dilara Akter, Farjana Easmin, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sarmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Mithali Ayodhya, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kawya Kavindi, Sanjana Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Nimasha Meepage, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Hasini Perera, Chamudi Praboda, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Chethana Vimukthi
Hong Kong: Natasha Miles (c), Maryam Bibi, Chan Ka Ying, Chan Sau Ha, Chan Shing Yan Dorothea, Iqra Sahar, Joyleen Kaur, Mahekdeep Kaur, Mariko Hill, Marina Lamplough, Ruchitha Venkatesh, Shanzeen Shahzad, Siu Mei Wai, Daiswani Haiswani, Wong Wing Kiu
Thailand: Naruemol Chaiwai (c), Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Natthakan Chantham, Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleeporn Laomi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong, Phannita Maya, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Nannaphat Chaihan, Koranit Suwanchonrathi, Thanrada Seesawan, Naomi Hamilton
Indonesia: Nanda Sakarini (c), Kadek Winda Prastini, Rahmawati Pangestuti, Wesika Ratna Dewi, Rada Rani, Desi Wulandari, Putri Suwandewi, Kisi Salisa Kasse, Sang Maypriani, Ni Kadek Ariani, Derni Bangi, Dara Agung Laksmi, Lie Qiao, Maria Corazon Wombaki, Sofia Velic
UAE: Esha Oza (c), Archara Supriya, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Janani Thirukkumaran, Lavanya Keny, Mehul Kulkarni, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish, Uttara Iyer, Vaishnave Mahesh
Full Schedule for Women’s Asia Cup
- August 28: Thailand Women vs Hong Kong, China Women — 8:00 PM IST
- August 29: Sri Lanka Women vs United Arab Emirates Women — 8:00 PM IST
- August 30: India Women vs Thailand Women — 8:00 PM IST
- August 31: Bangladesh Women vs Indonesia Women — 8:00 PM IST
- September 1: Pakistan Women vs Thailand Women — 8:00 PM IST
- September 2: Sri Lanka Women vs Indonesia Women — 8:00 PM IST
- September 3: India Women vs Hong Kong, China Women — 8:00 PM IST
- September 4: United Arab Emirates Women vs Indonesia Women — 8:00 PM IST
- September 5: India Women vs Pakistan Women — 8:00 PM IST
- September 6: Sri Lanka Women vs Bangladesh Women — 8:00 PM IST
- September 7: Pakistan Women vs Hong Kong, China Women — 8:00 PM IST
- September 8: Bangladesh Women vs United Arab Emirates Women — 8:00 PM IST
- September 10: Semi-final 1 — 8:00 PM IST
- September 11: Semi-final 2 — 8:00 PM IST
- September 13: Final — 8:00 PM IST
– Ends
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