Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Pakistan Women Use Men’s Matches to Prepare for Asia Cup
Pakistan's women's cricket team is preparing for a major tournament.
They are playing practice matches against boys and older male players.
These opponents are expected to create tougher situations than ordinary training.
The team wants to get better at making decisions when matches become tense.
Captain Fatima Sana said the players must stay calm and trust their plans.
Pakistan has been criticized for struggling in important tournament moments.
The Asia Cup T20 2026 begins on August 28 in Dubai.
Pakistan will play in a group with India, Thailand, and Hong Kong.
Pakistan Women are playing 20-over matches against a mixed men's team before the Asia Cup T20 2026.
The opponents include teenage boys and older players from Abdul Qadir Academy.
The matches were held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore during Pakistan's pre-tournament camp.
Captain Fatima Sana said the games are designed to improve decision-making and composure under pressure.
Pakistan are in Group A with India, Thailand, and Hong Kong in the eight-team tournament beginning August 28 in Dubai.
- Who
- Pakistan Women, led by captain Fatima Sana, are preparing for the tournament.
- What
- They are playing 20-over practice matches against a men's team to improve their responses under pressure.
- When
- The matches took place during the pre-tournament camp, ahead of the Asia Cup T20 2026 beginning August 28.
- Where
- The practice matches were played at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore; the tournament will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Why
- The stated aim is to sharpen decision-making, composure, and execution during difficult moments.
Pakistan Team's Rationale
Reported Criticism
Using tougher opponents
Pakistan Team's Rationale
Pakistan says competitive matches against boys put players under pressure and can improve decision-making, calmness, and execution in crunch situations.
Reported Criticism
The approach is linked to criticism that Pakistan has struggled to handle pressure in major tournaments, including winning only one of five matches at the most recent T20 World Cup.
- Tournament
- Asia Cup T20 2026
- Start date
- August 28
- Tournament venue
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Pakistan captain
- Fatima Sana
- Practice format
- 20-over matches
- Practice opponents
- Teenage boys and older players from Abdul Qadir Academy
- Pakistan's group
- Group A with India, Thailand, and Hong Kong
- Previous final mentioned
- Pakistan lost to India by 17 runs in the 2016 final