Women's Asia Cup T20: India and Pakistan to Compete in Group A, Dambulla Hosts

Dubai, March 26 - The Women's Asia Cup T20 Championships is set to commence on July 19 in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, featuring a face-off between defending champions India and their arch-rivals Pakistan. This year's tournament sees an expansion, hosting eight teams across two groups, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nepal joining India and Pakistan in Group A. Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Malaysia. The competition promises intense action, culminating in semifinals on July 26 and the final on July 28.

India, boasting seven titles, stands as the most successful team in the tournament's history. The much-anticipated match between India and Pakistan is slated for July 21. This year's edition marks a significant increase in participation, reflecting the growing stature and competitive spirit within women's cricket. Jay Shah, President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), expressed enthusiasm over the expanded format, moving from six teams in 2018 to eight in the current edition. This change underscores a commitment to nurturing women's cricket and recognizing the emerging talent across Asia.

The tournament also continues its unique tradition of featuring only female umpires. This initiative not only promotes gender equality but also highlights the increasing opportunities for women in cricket beyond playing roles. The Asia Cup holds considerable significance as a precursor to the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from September.

The schedule for the initial matches is as follows:

The ACC's dedication to women's cricket is evident through this tournament's expansion and its focus on creating a competitive platform for emerging talents. With teams gearing up for an intense battle and the spotlight on female umpires, the Women's Asia Cup T20 Championships is poised to be a landmark event in promoting women's cricket across Asia.