The eagerly anticipated Women’s Asia Cup 2024 is all set to commence on July 19 in the cricket-loving nation of Sri Lanka. The tournament, which has grown in stature and recognition over the years, will feature a fiercely competitive line-up of eight teams, marking the first instance in history with this number of participating teams. The entrants are divided into two distinct groups, heightening the excitement and setting the stage for intense cricketing battles.
Group A will see India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Nepal clashing, while Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand. This structured format ensures that the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, culminating in the grand finale scheduled for July 28.
The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla has been chosen as the sole venue for all the 15 matches. The venue, known for its picturesque setting and cricketing heritage, is expected to witness exhilarating matches. Fans will be eager to see if India can extend their remarkable record, having won the competition seven times previously. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will hope to repeat their 2018 triumph when they bested India in a thrilling final.
For Nepal, their return to the Women’s Asia Cup after an eight-year hiatus brings added enthusiasm. Having last participated in the 2016 edition, this appearance marks a significant milestone for Nepalese women’s cricket. Their entry adds a fresh dynamic to the competition, promising new storylines and a showcase of emerging talents.
The opening day will be a doubleheader, ensuring that the tournament kicks off with a bang. The first match features UAE against Nepal, offering both teams a chance to set the tone for their campaigns. Later in the day, fans will be treated to one of the most eagerly awaited clashes in international cricket as traditional rivals India and Pakistan face off. This match, as always, promises to be a high-octane affair filled with passion and intensity.
Matches are scheduled to take place daily, with games starting at two intervals – 2 PM and 7 PM IST, ensuring that fans can enjoy day and night cricket action.
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Here’s a comprehensive lowdown on what to expect from the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, including the full schedule and squad information for all participating teams.
**Schedule:**
– **July 19:** UAE vs. Nepal (2 PM IST); India vs. Pakistan (7 PM IST)
– (Further match fixtures will be listed here, customizing according to the full tournament schedule.)
**Squads:**
– **Thailand:**
– Thipatcha Putthawong (captain), Suwanan Khiaoto (wicketkeeper), Nannapat Kocharoenkai (wicketkeeper), Nattaya Boochatham, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Rosenan Kanoh, Phannita Maya, Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleeporn Laomi, Kanyakorn Bunthansen, Nannapat Chaihan, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Koranit Suwanchonrathi, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi.
– **Malaysia:**
– Winifred Duraisingam (captain), Aina Najwa (wicketkeeper), Elsa Hunter, Mas Elysa, Wan Julia (wicketkeeper), Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Nur Arianna Natsya, Aisya Eleesa, Amalin Sorfina, Dhanusri Muhunan, Irdina Beh Nabil, Nur Aishah, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa, Suabika Manivannan.
– **Nepal:**
– Indu Barma (captain), Sita Rana Magar, Rajmati Airee, Rubina Chhetry, Dolly Bhatta, Mamta Chaudhary, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar, Kritika Marasini, Puja Mahato, Bindu Rawal, Roma Thapa, Sabnam Rai, Samnjana Khadka, Kajal Sreshtha (wicketkeeper).
– **UAE:**
– Esha Oza (captain), Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper), Emily Thomas, Samaira Dharnidharka, Kavisha Egodage, Lavanya Keny, Khushi Sharma, Indhuja Nandakumar, Rinitha Rajith, Rishitha Rajith, Vaishnave Mahesh, Suraksha Kotte, Heena Hotchandani, Mehak Thakur, Rithika Rajith.
– **India:**
– Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Uma Chetry (wicketkeeper), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan. Travelling reserves include Shweta Sehrawat, Saika Ishaque, Tanuja Kanwer, and Meghna Singh.
– **Pakistan:**
– Nida Dar (captain), Iram Javed, Sadia Iqbal, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Najiha Alvi, Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sundhu, Tasmia Rubab, Omaima Sohail, Tuba Hassan.
– **Sri Lanka:**
– Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Ama Kanchana, Udeshika Prabodani, Kawya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasooriya, Kaveesha Dilhari, Vishmi Gunarathne, Inoshi Priyadarshani, Nilakshi De Silva, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani.
– **Bangladesh:**
– Nigar Sultana Joty (captain), Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorifa Khatun, Ritu Moni, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sultana Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Rabeya Khan, Rumana Ahmed, Marufa Akter, Sabikun Nahar Jesmin.
**Live Telecast and Live Streaming:**
Cricket enthusiasts across the globe will not miss a single moment of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 as the matches will be telecast live on Star Sports. In addition, for those preferring digital platforms, live streaming will be accessible through Disney+ Hotstar, bringing the action to your screens wherever you are.
As the countdown begins, the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 promises a showcase of top-notch women’s cricket, filled with thrilling performances and memorable moments. So, mark your calendars and prepare for a cricketing spectacle that celebrates the growing prowess and popularity of women’s sport in Asia.
