ISLAMABAD: As the much-anticipated ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 gets underway in Dubai, Fatima Sana-led Pakistan women’s cricket team is poised to begin their campaign against Thailand on Tuesday, 1 September, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).
The action will be live-streamed on Tamasha and broadcast on PTV Sports for audiences in Pakistan, with ball-by-ball live scores also available on the Asian Cricket Council’s official website.
Pakistan’s road to glory
Placed in Group A alongside India, Thailand, and Hong Kong China, Pakistan face a challenging path to the semi-finals. After their opening fixture against Thailand, the Green Shirts will take on archrivals India on Saturday, 5 September, followed by their final group match against Hong Kong China on 7 September.
Read Also: Pakistan Set for High-Octane Clash with India in Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 on September 5
All fixtures will begin at 7:30 PM Pakistan time at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a venue familiar to the Pakistan squad. The team played three T20Is at the same ground during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 and will look to use that experience to their advantage.
Squad update: Sadaf Shamas replaces injured Najiha Alvi
Pakistan suffered a setback ahead of the tournament when wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi was ruled out due to a left knee injury. She has been replaced by top-order batter Sadaf Shamas, who will be eager to make an impact on the big stage.
Captain’s Confidence
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana expressed optimism about her side’s preparations and mindset for the tournament.
“We played matches against boys in our pre-tournament camp, which helped us create pressure situations on the team, that is really helpful,” said Sana. “Our aim is to adopt to the conditions as soon as possible in the tournament.”
Pakistan Skipper Fatima Sana at the Pre-Tournament Captains Press Conference | ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026#AsiaCup | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/MhtHN4hlAi
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) August 27, 2026
She emphasised a game-by-game approach rather than focusing on any single contest. “We created such scenarios that helped our players deal with pressure. I’ll try to take the challenge of this tournament day by day, and no one game is more important than any other. We want to win every single game and produce positive results.”
The team arrived in the United Arab Emirates on 26 August after completing a 10-day intensive training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup history
Pakistan’s best performances in the Women’s Asia Cup came in 2012 and 2016, when they finished as runners-up in consecutive editions. In 2022 and 2024, the Green Shirts reached the semi-finals before falling short of the ultimate prize.
The current edition marks the 10th iteration of the tournament and the sixth to be played in the T20 format. The first four editions, held in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008, were contested as One-Day Internationals.
The road ahead
The 15-match tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups. Defending champions Sri Lanka lead Group B, alongside Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Read Also: Pakistan Women Arrive in Dubai Eyeing Asia Cup Glory
The semi-finals are scheduled for 10 and 11 September, with the grand final set to take place on 13 September – all at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Tournament history at a glance
- Inaugural Edition (2004): India defeated Sri Lanka in a five-match ODI series to become the first champions.
- Early Dominance: India won the 2005-06, 2006, and 2008 editions as well.
- Pakistan’s Debut: Pakistan made its first appearance in 2005-06.
- T20 Era (2012): India beat Pakistan in the final.
- 2016: India repeated the feat against Pakistan in the final.
- Bangladesh Upset (2018): Bangladesh stunned India by three wickets in Malaysia to claim their first title.
- 2020: Tournament postponed due to COVID-19.
- 2022: India won in Bangladesh, beating Sri Lanka in the final.
- 2024: Sri Lanka made history, defeating India by eight wickets to win their maiden title.
- Overall titles: India (7), Bangladesh (1), Sri Lanka (1).
Pakistan Women’s Squad for ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026
Captain: Fatima Sana
Players: Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar.
Reserves: Tasmia Rubab, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees
Support Staff
- Coach/Mentor:Wahab Riaz
- Team Manager:Ayesha Ashar
- Spin Bowling Coach:Abdur Rehman
- Fast Bowling Coach:Umaid Asif
- Fielding Coach:Abdul Majeed
- Batting Coach:Imran Farhat
- Performance Analyst:Waleed Ahmed
- Strength & Conditioning Coach:Moeen
- Physiotherapist:Dur Samand
- Media Manager:Raza Rashid Kitchlew
Read Also: Pakistan Women Gear Up for Asia Cup Challenge After Intensive Preparations
Pakistan’s Group Stage Schedule
(All matches at Dubai International Cricket Stadium; 7:30 PM PKT start)
1 September – Pakistan vs Thailand
5 September – Pakistan vs India
7 September – Pakistan vs Hong Kong, China
Knockout Stage
- 10 September – Semi-Final 1
- 11 September – Semi-Final 2
- 13 September – Final
As Pakistan embark on their Asia Cup journey under the fresh leadership of Fatima Sana, the expectations are high for a team hungry to break their runners-up jinx and claim the coveted title. With a well-balanced squad, experienced support staff, and rigorous preparations behind them, the Green Shirts have every reason to believe they can go all the way.
The opening clash against Thailand will set the tone, but it is the marquee showdown against India on 5 September that will truly test Pakistan’s mettle. In a tournament that has historically been dominated by India, Pakistan have a golden opportunity to script a new chapter in their cricketing history.
