DUBAI: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will meet in the headline fixture of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup at the Dubai Interna­tional Cricket Stadium on Sept 5 after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) unveiled the tournament schedule on Thursday.

The T20 tournament will begin on Aug 28 with Thailand taking on Hong Kong and conclude with the final on Sept 13.

This will be the sixth edition of the Women’s Asia Cup to be played in the T20 format.

Eight teams have been divided into two groups. India and Pakistan are placed in Group ‘A’ alongside Thailand, Hong Kong and China, while defending champions Sri Lanka share Group ‘B’ with Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals before the title-decider on Sept 13. All matches will be staged under lights at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2026