6 days ago
India Arrive in Dubai Seeking Women’s Asia Cup Redemption
India’s women’s cricket team has arrived in Dubai for the Women’s Asia Cup.
Eight teams will play short T20 matches.
India will play Thailand, Hong Kong, China, and Pakistan in its group.
Their first match is against Thailand on August 30.
Sri Lanka won the last tournament in 2024 after beating India.
India has won the tournament three times and wants the trophy back.
The best two teams from each group will reach the semifinals.
The final is planned for September 13, and matches can be watched on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.
The 2026 Women’s Asia Cup will feature eight teams in a T20I tournament in Dubai.
India are grouped with Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong, China; Sri Lanka lead Group B.
India begin against Thailand on August 30 and face Hong Kong, China, before Pakistan on September 5.
Sri Lanka are defending champions after defeating India in the 2024 final, while India have won three of five T20I editions.
The top two teams in each group reach the semifinals, with the final scheduled for September 13.
- Who
- Harmanpreet Kaur-led India and seven other women’s cricket teams, including defending champions Sri Lanka.
- What
- The 2026 Women’s Asia Cup, an eight-team T20I cricket tournament.
- Where
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with all 15 matches scheduled at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
- When
- The tournament schedule lists matches from August 28 through September 13, 2026; India’s opener is August 30. The articles differ on whether Sri Lanka’s opening match is August 28 or August 29.
- Why
- India are seeking to reclaim the title after Sri Lanka won the 2024 edition.
India’s title challenge
Sri Lanka’s title defense
Tournament objective
India’s title challenge
India, the most successful team in the competition, are aiming to regain the trophy after finishing runners-up to Sri Lanka in 2024.
Sri Lanka’s title defense
Sri Lanka are defending champions and want to become the first Sri Lankan team to successfully defend the Women’s Asia Cup.
Recent momentum
India’s title challenge
India are seeking a response after failing to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, despite beating Pakistan by 64 runs.
Sri Lanka’s title defense
Sri Lanka enter as the reigning champions and will rely on captain Chamari Athapaththu and a balanced squad.
Group-stage route
India’s title challenge
India face Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong, China, with the India-Pakistan match expected to attract significant attention.
Sri Lanka’s title defense
Sri Lanka face the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Bangladesh in Group B.
Key facts
- Format
- T20I cricket with a group stage, semifinals and final
- Teams
- Eight teams divided into two groups
- Group A
- India, Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong, China
- Group B
- Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia
- India’s schedule
- Thailand on August 30, Hong Kong, China, on September 3, and Pakistan on September 5
- Venues
- All 15 matches are scheduled for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Broadcast
- Sony Sports Network; streaming on SonyLIV in India
- Squad changes
- Pratika Rawal replaced injured Jemimah Rodrigues for India; Nimasha Meepage replaced injured Dewmi Vihanga for Sri Lanka
Quotes
Board of Control for Cricket in India
India’s national cricket governing body
“Hello Dubai! #TeamIndia have arrived for the ACC Women's Asia Cup 2026”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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