Eight teams clash in Dubai for Asian cricket supremacy

Eight international teams are assembling in the United Arab Emirates as the 10th edition of the Women’s Asia Cup gets underway. Over the course of a two-week tournament featuring 15 high-octane fixtures, the region's premier cricket sides will compete for continental glory. Dubai International Cricket Stadium serves as the exclusive venue for all matches, which will take place under lights starting at 8:00 PM IST.

Tournament Format and Key Fixtures

Defending champions Sri Lanka start their title defense against hosts UAE, while Harmanpreet Kaur leads the Indian squad into their tournament opener against Thailand on August 30. India shares Group A with Thailand, Hong Kong, and arch-rivals Pakistan, setting up a blockbuster clash on September 5. Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, and Indonesia.

Continental tournaments in the UAE frequently produce close, spin-friendly contests due to the distinctive nature of desert pitches. The top two teams from each group will advance directly to the semi-finals on September 10 and 11, culminating in the final on September 13.

Squads and Broadcast Information

India has named a balanced roster with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain alongside explosive batters Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh. Renuka Thakur and Deepti Sharma anchor the bowling attack. Other key contenders, including Fatima Sana's Pakistan, Chamari Athapaththu's Sri Lanka, and Nigar Sultana Joty's Bangladesh, feature full-strength lineups.

Cricket fans can watch every ball live across television networks and digital platforms. Sony Sports Network will broadcast the entire tournament live on TV, while digital streaming will be accessible through the Sony LIV platform.