The stage is set for another chapter in Asian women’s cricket as the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 gets underway in Dubai on August 28. The 10th edition of the tournament will bring together eight teams, with the continental title at stake and plenty of familiar rivalries ready to take centre stage. Sri Lanka enter as the defending champions, while seven-time winners India will be determined to reclaim the crown.
Eight teams, two groups and one coveted trophy
The tournament will be played in the T20I format, with the eight teams divided into two groups. Group A features India, Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong, China, while Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and tournament debutants Indonesia.
Each team will play the other sides in its group once. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, scheduled for September 10 and 11, before the final on September 13. All matches will be staged at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The opening match will see Thailand take on Hong Kong, China on August 28, while India begin their campaign against Thailand on August 30. One of the biggest games of the group stage, India versus Pakistan, is scheduled for September 5.
India and Pakistan headline a competitive section
India remain the most successful side in the history of the competition and will once again start among the favourites. Harmanpreet Kaur leads a squad packed with experience and match-winning ability, including Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma. Pratika Rawal has also been included after replacing the injured Jemimah Rodrigues.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will be led by Fatima Sana. Their squad contains a blend of established names and emerging players, while Thailand and Hong Kong, China will look to make the most of their opportunities against the region’s leading teams.
Defending champions face fresh challenges
Sri Lanka arrive in Dubai with the confidence of defending champions after winning their maiden Asia Cup title in 2024. Chamari Athapaththu remains at the heart of their campaign, with Harshitha Samarawickrama and a strong supporting cast adding depth to the side.
Bangladesh will also be one to watch, with Nigar Sultana Joty continuing as captain and Nahida Akter serving as vice-captain. Hosts UAE will hope home conditions work in their favour, while Indonesia are preparing for their first appearance in the tournament.
Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Squads of all teams
- India Women: 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 Women: Fatima Sana (c), 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.
- Thailand Women: 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.
- Hong Kong Women: 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, Wong Wing Kiu Hailey, Yasmin Daswani.
- Sri Lanka Women: 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.
- Bangladesh Women: 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.
- United Arab Emirates Women: 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.
- Indonesia Women: 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.
With heavyweight contenders, ambitious associate teams and Indonesia entering the competition for the first time, the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup promises a fascinating mix of experience and emerging talent. India will chase another title, Sri Lanka will attempt to retain their crown, and the likes of Pakistan, Bangladesh and UAE will be eager to disrupt the established order.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
