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The Women’s Asia Cup 2024 is set to commence on Friday (July 19) in Sri Lanka, marking the ninth edition of this prestigious tournament. This year’s competition will be played in the T20 format for the fifth consecutive time, serving as an essential preparatory event for teams ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.
Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Tournament’s structure
The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, culminating in the final at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on July 28. The participating teams are India, Pakistan, UAE, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia, making it a diverse and competitive field.
Historical of Women’s Asia Cup
The inaugural Women’s Asia Cup took place in 2004 in Sri Lanka, with India establishing early dominance. The 2012 Women’s Asia Cup was the first to be played in the T20 format, reflecting the growing popularity and strategic shift in women’s cricket. India’s track record in the tournament is formidable, having won all but one edition. The only exception was in 2018, when Bangladesh clinched a historic victory by defeating India by three wickets in a thrilling final.
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Qualification and preparation
The ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2024 served as the qualification pathway for this year’s Asia Cup. Sixteen teams competed in this tournament, with Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates emerging as the semi-finalists and thus securing their spots in the Asia Cup. This extensive qualification process has ensured that the best teams from the region will compete, making the tournament more competitive and showcasing emerging talents.
Women’s Asia Cup 2024 Squads:
Group A
- Pakistan: Nida Dar (c) Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.
- India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan. Travelling reserves: Shweta Sehrawat, Saika Ishaque, Tanuja Kanwer, Meghna Singh
- Nepal: Indu Barma (c), Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, Bindu Rawal, Kabita Kunwar, Puja Mahato, Kabita Joshi, Samjhana Khadka, Kajol Shrestha, Sabnam Rai, Rajmati Airee, Mamta Chaudhary, Kritika Marasini, Roma Thapa, Dolly Bhatta.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): Esha Oza (c), Emily Thomas (wk), Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Kavisha Kumari, Khushi Sharma, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Rinitha Rajith, Rithika Rajith, Rishitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper), Vaishnave Mahesh.
Group B
- Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Jahanara Alam, Rumana Ahmed, Ritu Moni, Marufa Akter, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Shorifa Khatun, Ishma Tanjim, Sabikun Nahar Jesmin. Stand-by: Taj Nehar, Fahima Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Puja Chakrabortty
- Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Ama Kanchana, Udeshika Prabodani, Vishmi Gunarathne, Kawya Kavindi, Inoshi Priyadarshani, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasooriya, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshi De Silva, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani
- Malaysia: Winifred Duraisingam (c), Nur Aishah, Aisya Eleesa, Mas Elysa, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Elsa Hunter, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Wan Julia (wk), Suabika Manivannan, Dhanusri Muhunan, Irdina Beh Nabil, Aina Najwa (wk), Nur Arianna Natsya, Amalin Sorfina, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa
- Thailand: Thipatcha Putthawong (c), Nattaya Boochatham, Kanyakoran Bunthansen, Nannaphat Chaihan, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Rosenanee Kanoh, Suwanan Khiaoto (wk), Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk), Suleeporn Laomi, Phannita Maya, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Chanida Sutthiruang, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Koranit Suwanchonrathi
