The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Tuesday (Mar 26) released the full schedule for the Women’s Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from July 19th to July 28th, 2024.
Defending champions India have been drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE and Nepal. Meanwhile, Group B will comprise the likes of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand.
The Indian team will start their campaign against the UAE on July 19 before squaring off against Pakistan on July 21. The league stage for the Women-in-Blue will come to an end against Himalayan neighbours Nepal on July 23.
Changes in the tournament
This is the first instance that the Asia Cup will feature eight teams. The marquee tournament will also feature all female referees and umpires after a similar successful implementation during the previous edition.
“The increased participation promises to make this tournament even more competitive and thrilling for cricket fans across the region,” the ACC said in a statement.
“In line with the ACC’s vision for inclusivity and equality in cricket, the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 will continue the tradition of having all female referees and umpires, following the successful implementation of the same in the previous edition,” it added.
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India, the seven-time champions, will be the favourites to win the tournament ahead of the highly-anticipated T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in September-October in Bangladesh.
Here’s the full schedule of ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024:
July 19, Friday: Pakistan vs Nepal; India vs UAE
July 20, Saturday: Malaysia vs Thailand; Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
July 21, Sunday: Nepal vs UAE; India vs Pakistan
July 22, Monday: Sri Lanka vs Malaysia; Bangladesh vs Thailand
July 23, Tuesday: Pakistan vs UAE; India vs Nepal
July 24, Wednesday: Bangladesh vs Malaysia; Sri Lanka vs Thailand
July 26, Friday: SF1 (Group A 1st) vs (Group B 2nd) SF2 (Group B 1st) vs (Group A 2nd)
July 28, Sunday: FINALS