India’s quest to reclaim the Women’s Asia Cup begins on August 30 when Harmanpreet Kaur’s side faces Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, kicking off its campaign in the 10th edition of the continental T20 tournament, running from August 28 to September 13.
Placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong, China, India will look to navigate the league stage unbeaten before a blockbuster clash with arch-rival Pakistan on September 5. In between, it takes on Hong Kong, China, on September 3. All three matches are scheduled for an 8:00 PM IST start (6:30 PM local).
Seven-time champion India, the most successful side in the tournament’s history, is aiming to win back the title after finishing runner-up to Sri Lanka in the 2024 final in Dambulla. Harmanpreet will lead a 15-member squad featuring vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal — a late addition after Jemimah Rodrigues was ruled out with a hamstring tear. Richa Ghosh and Gunalan Kamalini provide the wicketkeeping options, while Deepti Sharma anchors the all-rounder department. The bowling attack includes Renuka Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud and Nandani Sharma.
India’s group-stage fixtures (all times IST):
Aug 30 (Sun): India vs Thailand — 8:00 PM
Sep 3 (Thu): India vs Hong Kong, China — 8:00 PM
Sep 5 (Sat): India vs Pakistan — 8:00 PM
The top two sides from each group advance to the semifinals on September 10 and 11, with the final set for September 13.
Published on Aug 29, 2026