The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 is set to begin on August 28 in Dubai, with eight teams competing for one of the biggest prizes in Asian women’s cricket. The tournament brings together established sides such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while Hong Kong China, Thailand, Indonesia and UAE will look to produce surprises.

With the teams divided into two groups of four, every squad will be aiming to finish in the top two and reach the semi-finals.

Group A Squads

Hong Kong, China

Natasha Miles (c), Maryam Bibi, Chan Ka Ying, Chan Sau Ha, Chan Shing Yan Dorothea, Iqra Sahar, Joyleen Kaur, Mahekdeep Kaur, Mariko Hill, Marina Lamplough, Ruchitha Venkatesh, Shanzeen Shahzad, Siu Mei Wai, Wong Wing Kiu Hailey, Yasmin Daswani

Hong Kong China will enter the tournament as one of the underdogs. Captain Natasha Miles will lead a squad hoping to challenge the more established teams in Group A.

India

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Pratika Rawal

India have one of the strongest squads in the competition, led by experienced captain Harmanpreet Kaur. With players such as Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma, India will be among the leading contenders for the title.

Thailand

Naruemol Chaiwai (c), Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Natthakan Chantham, Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleeporn Laomi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong, Phannita Maya, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Nannaphat Chaihan, Koranit Suwanchonrathi, Thanrada Seesawan, Naomi Hamilton

Thailand will be captained by Naruemol Chaiwai. Their experience in Asian women’s cricket could make them a difficult opponent despite being outside the tournament’s main favourites.

Pakistan

Fatima Sana (c), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Sadaf Shamas, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar

Pakistan will be led by Fatima Sana, with wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali Siddiqui and experienced bowler Sadia Iqbal among the players to watch.

The Pakistan-India rivalry will naturally attract huge attention whenever the two teams meet, although the tournament’s group structure means their route to the knockout stage will depend heavily on their early results.

Group B Squads

Bangladesh

Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sarmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Fariha Islam Trisna

Bangladesh have selected an experienced group under captain Nigar Sultana Joty. Their spin-bowling options and familiarity with Asian conditions could make them serious contenders for a semi-final place.

Indonesia

Squad: To be confirmed

Indonesia are the only team in the current list whose final squad is still to be confirmed. Their participation will give the tournament an important opportunity to showcase the continued growth of women’s cricket in the region.

Sri Lanka

Chamari Athapaththu (c), Mithali Ayodhya, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kawya Kavindi, Sanjana Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Hasini Perera, Chamudi Praboda, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Dewmi Vihanga, Chethana Vimukthi

Defending champions Sri Lanka will be led by superstar all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu. They will enter the competition with the confidence of being the reigning champions and will be expected to challenge for another title.

UAE

Esha Oza (c), Archara Supriya, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Janani Thirukkumaran, Lavanya Keny, Mehul Kulkarni, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish, Uttara Iyer, Vaishnave Mahesh

Hosts UAE will be captained by Esha Oza. Playing at home could give them an important advantage, and they will hope to surprise Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Group B.

Which Teams Are the Favourites?

On paper, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh look like the strongest teams in the competition.

India have considerable depth and experience, while Sri Lanka arrive as defending champions. Pakistan and Bangladesh also have enough quality to challenge for the knockout places.

However, the home advantage could make UAE an interesting dark horse.

Players to Watch

A few names could have a major influence on the tournament:

• Harmanpreet Kaur – India: Experienced leader and powerful middle-order batter.
• Smriti Mandhana – India: One of the world’s most recognised women’s batters.
• Chamari Athapaththu – Sri Lanka: The defending champions’ biggest match-winner.
• Fatima Sana – Pakistan: Young captain with an important all-round role.
• Nigar Sultana Joty – Bangladesh: Experienced captain and wicketkeeper-batter.
• Esha Oza – UAE: Home captain who will carry much of the hosts’ expectations.

Can a Smaller Team Cause an Upset?

That’s one of the most interesting questions heading into the Women’s Asia Cup 2026.

The tournament format gives the less-fancied teams a genuine opportunity. A surprise victory over one of the favourites could completely change the group standings.

For UAE in particular, beating a team such as Sri Lanka or Bangladesh would immediately put them in contention for a semi-final place.