The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 is bringing together eight of Asia’s leading women’s cricket teams for a T20I tournament in the United Arab Emirates. The tenth edition of the competition began on 28 August 2026, with the final scheduled for 13 September. Sri Lanka enter the tournament as defending champions after winning the previous edition in 2024.
With India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh among the headline teams, the tournament offers plenty for cricket fans to follow. India are the most successful side in Women’s Asia Cup history and have started the 2026 campaign strongly, while Sri Lanka will be looking to defend their title.
The competition also provides an important platform for emerging players from Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia and the UAE. With only two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals, every match during the league stage matters.
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Here is everything you need to know about the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 schedule, teams, format, groups and key players.
Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Tournament Overview
The 2026 Women’s Asia Cup is being played entirely in the T20I format in the UAE.
The tournament features eight teams split into two groups of four. The group stage determines the four semi-finalists, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the knockout stage.
Key tournament details
DetailInformation
Tournament Women’s Asia Cup 2026
Edition 10th
Format T20 International
Host United Arab Emirates
Starting date 28 August 2026
Final 13 September 2026
Teams 8
Groups 2
Defending champions Sri Lanka
Group-stage qualifiers Top two from each group
The UAE provides a different challenge from the conditions many teams are accustomed to at home. Spinners, disciplined bowling and intelligent batting against changing conditions could all become important as the competition progresses.
Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Teams
Eight teams are participating in the 2026 tournament.
Group AIndia
Pakistan
Thailand
Hong Kong, China
Group BSri Lanka
Bangladesh
Indonesia
United Arab Emirates
The group composition creates some interesting contests. Group A contains the high-profile India-Pakistan rivalry, while Group B features defending champions Sri Lanka alongside Bangladesh and the tournament hosts UAE.
Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Complete Schedule
The tournament began with Hong Kong, China taking on Thailand on 28 August. Group B action started a day later when Sri Lanka faced hosts UAE.
India began their campaign on 30 August against Thailand, while Pakistan's first match came against Thailand on 1 September. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan group-stage meeting is scheduled for 5 September.
Group-stage schedule
DateMatch
28 August Hong Kong, China vs Thailand
29 August Sri Lanka vs UAE
30 August India vs Thailand
31 August Bangladesh vs Indonesia
1 September Pakistan vs Thailand
2 September Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
3 September UAE vs Indonesia
4 September Thailand vs Hong Kong, China
5 September India vs Pakistan
6 September Sri Lanka vs Indonesia
7 September Bangladesh vs UAE
8 September India vs Hong Kong, China
9 September Pakistan vs Hong Kong, China
10 September India vs Thailand
11 September Pakistan vs Thailand
The published tournament information confirms the competition runs from 28 August to the final on 13 September. Match-day listings should be checked against the latest official fixture information before publication if you are adding exact start times or broadcast details.
Knockout stage
After the group matches, the top two teams from each group qualify for the semi-finals.
The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final is scheduled for 13 September.
The knockout stage should provide an entirely different test. Unlike the group stage, there is no room for a poor performance to be corrected in the following match.
How the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Format Works
The tournament format is straightforward.
The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups:
Group A
India
Pakistan
Thailand
Hong Kong, China
Group B
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Indonesia
UAE
Each side competes within its group during the league stage.
At the end of the group phase:The top two teams in Group A qualify for the semi-finals.
The top two teams in Group B also qualify.
The four qualifiers compete in the semi-finals.
The two semi-final winners meet in the final on 13 September.
This means teams cannot afford to look too far ahead. A strong net run rate could also become valuable if teams finish level on points.
India Women: The Team to Beat?
India enter the competition with a powerful squad and considerable tournament experience.
Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India have several established international players, including Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh.
India have already made a strong impression in the 2026 competition.
They defeated Thailand by 94 runs in their opening match before producing an even more emphatic 137-run victory against Hong Kong.
The second match was particularly notable because Smriti Mandhana scored 124, her highest score in Women's T20Is. The innings also saw her become the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket across formats.
India key players to watch
Smriti Mandhana: Her timing, experience and ability to dominate the powerplay make her one of the tournament's biggest batting threats.
Shafali Verma: The aggressive opener can change a T20 match quickly when she gets going. She scored 64 against Thailand in India's opening game.
Harmanpreet Kaur: India's captain provides experience in both batting and leadership.
Deepti Sharma: A valuable all-rounder who can influence matches with both bat and ball. She played a major role in India's dominant win over Hong Kong.
Richa Ghosh: Her wicketkeeping and aggressive middle-order batting give India another important option.
India have already secured their place in the semi-finals after winning their opening two matches.
Pakistan Women: Can They Challenge India?
Pakistan are one of the most closely watched teams in Group A.
Captain Fatima Sana leads a squad containing experienced players including Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sundhu and Tuba Hassan.
Pakistan's challenge is significant because India have historically dominated the fixture.
However, T20 cricket can produce sudden changes in momentum. A good powerplay with the ball or an important partnership with the bat could put Pakistan in a position to challenge the favourites.
Pakistan key players to watch
Fatima Sana: The captain's all-round ability makes her central to Pakistan's plans.
Muneeba Ali Siddiqui: An experienced wicketkeeper-batter who can provide stability at the top of the order.
Sadia Iqbal: Her bowling will be important when Pakistan try to control India's batting during the middle overs.
Nashra Sundhu: Another experienced bowling option capable of creating pressure.
Tuba Hassan: A player Pakistan can look towards for an impact with the ball.
The India-Pakistan match is particularly important for Pakistan because India have already qualified for the semi-finals, while Pakistan still have qualification ambitions to protect.
Sri Lanka: Defending Champions
Sri Lanka arrive as the defending Women's Asia Cup champions.
They won the previous edition in 2024 on home soil and now have the challenge of defending that title in the UAE.
The team is led by experienced all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu, one of the most recognisable figures in women's cricket.
Sri Lanka's squad also includes players such as Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari and Sugandika Kumari.
Their progress will be one of the major stories to watch in Group B.
Bangladesh Women: A Serious Group B Contender
Bangladesh have plenty of experience in Asian women's cricket and will be looking to challenge Sri Lanka for one of the two qualifying positions in Group B.
Nigar Sultana Joty captains the side, with Nahida Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan among the squad members.
Bangladesh's biggest task will be producing consistent performances throughout the group stage.
A strong start could put them in an excellent position to compete for a semi-final place.
Thailand and Hong Kong: Opportunity for the Emerging Teams
Thailand and Hong Kong, China are important additions to the tournament because competitions such as the Asia Cup provide developing cricket nations with valuable exposure.
Thailand are led by Naruemol Chaiwai, while Hong Kong are captained by Natasha Miles.
Neither side enters the tournament with the same resources or experience as India or Sri Lanka, but T20 cricket can reward disciplined bowling, smart running between the wickets and fearless batting.
Their matches against one another could therefore be particularly significant.
UAE and Indonesia: Building Experience
Hosts United Arab Emirates are another team with a major opportunity in this tournament.
The UAE squad is led by Esha Oza, while Indonesia are captained by Nanda Sakarini.
For these teams, the Asia Cup is not only about immediate results.
Playing against established international sides provides experience that can contribute to the long-term development of women's cricket in their respective countries.
Biggest Players to Watch at Women’s Asia Cup 2026
Several names stand out before the decisive stages of the tournament.
Smriti Mandhana – India
Mandhana has already delivered one of the tournament's defining performances with her 124 against Hong Kong. Her form could become a major factor in India's attempt to win another Asia Cup title.
Harmanpreet Kaur – India
The India captain brings leadership and international experience. Her tactical decisions could become increasingly important once the tournament reaches the knockout stage.
Deepti Sharma – India
Deepti's abilityto contribute in several departments makes her particularly valuable in T20 cricket.
Chamari Athapaththu – Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan captain is a proven match-winner and will be central to the defending champions' campaign.
Fatima Sana – Pakistan
As captain and an all-rounder, Fatima Sana has the difficult task of leading Pakistan through a demanding Group A.
Nigar Sultana Joty – Bangladesh
The Bangladesh captain will need to guide her side through a competitive Group B and challenge for a semi-final place.
Key Storylines to Follow
The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 has several compelling narratives beyond the results.
Can India maintain their dominance?
India have started brilliantly, but the semi-finals will present a much bigger test.
Can Sri Lanka defend their crown?
The defending champions have the experience, but maintaining consistency across another tournament is never easy.
Can Pakistan reach the knockout stage?
Pakistan's Group A campaign could come down to crucial results against their rivals.
Which emerging team can surprise?
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Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia and UAE will all be hoping to produce performances that attract attention beyond their individual results.
Who will emerge as the tournament's breakout star?
Major tournaments often introduce international audiences to new players. The UAE conditions could provide an excellent stage for an emerging cricketer to make a name for herself.
Why the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Matters
The Asia Cup is more than another T20 competition.
For the leading teams, it is an opportunity to win silverware and build momentum. For developing sides, it is a chance to compete regularly against stronger opposition.
The tournament also highlights the growing depth of women's cricket across Asia.
India's strength, Sri Lanka's status as defending champions, Pakistan's rivalry with India and the continued development of teams such as Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia and UAE make this a competition worth following closely.
As the tournament moves towards the semi-finals and final, small moments are likely to become increasingly important.
One exceptional innings can change a campaign. One outstanding spell can eliminate a favourite.
That unpredictability is part of what makes T20 cricket so compelling.
Final Thoughts
The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 brings together eight teams, two groups and a clear route towards the final on 13 September.
India have already made a statement with two major victories and have secured their semi-final place. Sri Lanka arrive as defending champions, while Pakistan, Bangladesh and the other participating teams will be fighting to join the knockout stage.
The tournament's biggest attractions will undoubtedly include India-Pakistan, Sri Lanka's title defence and the performances of established stars such as Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma and Chamari Athapaththu.
But perhaps the most exciting possibility is an unexpected breakthrough.
Women's cricket continues to grow across Asia, and tournaments such as this provide the stage for established stars and emerging players alike.
For fans, there is plenty still to come before the trophy is decided on 13 September.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 start?
The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 began on 28 August 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.
2. When is the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final?
The final is scheduled for 13 September 2026.
3. How many teams are playing in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
Eight teams are participating: India, Pakistan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia and UAE.
4. What is the format of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
The eight teams are divided into two groups of four. The top two teams from each group qualify for the semi-finals, with the winners progressing to the final.
5. Who are the defending champions of the Women’s Asia Cup?
Sri Lanka are the defending champions after winning the 2024 edition.
6. Who is India's captain in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
Harmanpreet Kaur is India's captain, with Smriti Mandhana listed as vice-captain.
7. Who is Pakistan's captain in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
Fatima Sana is Pakistan's captain for the tournament.
8. Which player has been one of the biggest stars of the tournament so far?
India's Smriti Mandhana has been one of the standout performers after scoring 124 against Hong Kong on 4 September.
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