Pakistan Women Prepare for Asia Cup with Matches Against Men's Teams
Captain Fatima Sana emphasizes handling pressure and decision-making ahead of the continental tournament in Dubai.
The story
With no international women's cricket fixtures in the last 24 hours, teams are in their final stages of preparation for the upcoming Women's Asia Cup 2026, set to commence on August 28 in Dubai. Pakistan's women's team has adopted an unconventional approach, playing T20 matches against a men's side from the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy in Lahore.
Captain Fatima Sana stated that these matches were designed to help her squad improve decision-making under pressure and maintain composure in crucial moments, lessons she believes will be vital for the tournament. Pakistan is aiming for their maiden Asia Cup title, having reached the final twice before, losing to India on both occasions.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh women's captain Nigar Sultana Joty has expressed her team's ambition to overcome their semi-final jinx at the Asia Cup. The tournament promises a busy schedule as eight nations vie for the T20 title.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg Women vs Belgium Women (4th T20I) | WT20I | Luxembourg Women won by 47 runs | |
| Luxembourg Women vs Belgium Women (3rd T20I) | WT20I | Luxembourg Women won by 4 wickets | |
| Tanzania Women vs Uganda Women (Women's T20I Quadrangular Series) | WT20I | Tanzania Women awarded the match (opposition refused to play) |
Tables that matter
| Competition | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Women's ODI Team Rankings | #1 Australia | Australia leads with 163 rating points. |
| ICC Women's ODI Team Rankings | #2 England | England holds second place with 125 rating points. |
| ICC Women's ODI Team Rankings | #3 India | India is in third position with 124 rating points. |
| ICC Women's T20I Team Rankings | #1 Australia | Australia maintains its top spot in the T20I format. |
What we'll be watching
- The Women's Asia Cup 2026 begins on August 28 in Dubai.
- India Women open their Asia Cup campaign against Thailand on August 30.
- Pakistan Women play their first Asia Cup match against Thailand on September 1.
- The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash is scheduled for September 5.
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