The Women's Asia Cup 2024, set to captivate cricket fans from tomorrow (July 19) to July 28 in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. This ninth edition of the tournament, played in the T20 format, will be hosted at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. It provides an essential platform for Asian teams to refine their squads ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year.
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Tournament Structure

This year's Women's Asia Cup features eight teams divided into two groups of four:

• Group A: India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Nepal
• Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia

Each team will compete against others in their group, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals. The competition is sure to be thrilling, with experienced teams and new challengers all fighting for the cup.
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Defending Champions

India Women are the reigning champions, having clinched the title in the last Women's Asia Cup by defeating Sri Lanka in a memorable final. Their dominance in T20 cricket is evident with a remarkable win percentage of 85% in the Women's Asia Cup T20, winning 17 out of 20 matches.

Pakistan follows with a win rate of 57.80%, with 11 wins in 19 matches. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also show competitive strength with win rates of 50% and 47%, respectively. Emerging teams like Thailand, UAE, and Malaysia are eager to make a significant impact in this edition.

India’s consistent performance and squad depth make them strong contenders to retain the title, while other teams will strive to challenge their dominance and claim the trophy.
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Key Matches

India vs. Pakistan: The most anticipated match of the group stage, this rivalry clash on July 19 always promises a thrilling encounter.

Sri Lanka's Matches: As the host nation, Sri Lanka will have significant support. They start their campaign against Bangladesh on July 20, followed by matches against Malaysia and Thailand.
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Key Players to Watch

India:

• Harmanpreet Kaur: The captain, known for her powerful hitting and dynamic leadership.
• Smriti Mandhana: The vice-captain and opening batter, renowned for her elegant stroke play and consistency.
• Deepti Sharma: A versatile all-rounder who adds significant depth to the squad.

Pakistan:

• Nida Dar: The experienced all-rounder and captain, crucial to Pakistan’s success.
• Omaima Sohail: A middle-order batter essential for stabilizing and accelerating the innings.

Sri Lanka:

• Chamari Athapaththu: The aggressive batter and captain, a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s batting order.
• Harshitha Samarawickrama: A reliable middle-order batter capable of anchoring the innings.

Bangladesh:

• Nigar Sultana: The captain and wicketkeeper, known for her sharp glovework and dependable batting.

Thailand:

• Thipatcha Putthawong: A key all-rounder for Thailand, vital for her team’s prospects.

United Arab Emirates:

• Esha Oza: The captain and a significant all-rounder, central to UAE’s strategy.

Team Squads

🇧🇩 Bangladesh Squad:

• Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Rumana Ahmed, Dilara Akter, Marufa Akter, Shorna Akter, Jahanara Alam, Rubya Haider, Rabeya Khan, Murshida Khatun, Shorifa Khatun, Sultana Khatun, Ritu Moni, Sabikun Nahar, Ishma Tanjim

🇮🇳 India Squad:

• Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Uma Chetry, Richa Ghosh, Dayalan Hemalatha, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sajana Sajeevan, Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Asha Sobhana, Pooja Vastrakar, Shafali Verma, Radha Yadav

🇲🇾 Malaysia Squad:

• Winifred Duraisingam (c), Nur Aishah, Aisya Eleesa, Mas Elysa, Ainaa Hamizah Hashim, Elsa Hunter, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Wan Julia, Suabika Manivannan, Dhanusri Muhunan, Irdina Beh Nabil, Aina Najwa, Nur Arianna Natsya, Amalin Sorfina, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa

🇳🇵 Nepal Squad:

• Indu Barma (c), Rajmati Airee, Dolly Bhatta, Mamta Chaudhary, Rubina Chhetry, Kabita Joshi, Samjhana Khadka, Kabita Kunwar, Sita Rana Magar, Puja Mahato, Kritika Marasini, Sabnam Rai, Bindu Rawal, Kajal Shrestha, Roma Thapa

🇵🇰 Pakistan Squad:

• Nida Dar (c), Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Sidra Amin, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Tuba Hassan, Sadia Iqbal, Iram Javed, Aliya Riaz, Tasmia Rubab, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sundhu, Syeda Aroob Shah, Omaima Sohail

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Squad:

• Chamari Athapaththu (c), Nilakshi de Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Shashini Gimhani, Vishmi Gunarathne, Ama Kanchana, Kawya Kavindi, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Sachini Nisansala, Inoshi Fernando, Hasini Perera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Samarawickrama

🇹🇭 Thailand Squad:

• Thipatcha Putthawong (c), Nattaya Boochatam, Kanyakoran Bunthansen, Nannaphat Chaihan, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Rosenanee Kanoh, Suwanan Khiaoto, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Suleeporn Laomi, Phannita Maya, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Chanida Sutthiruang, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Koranit Suwanchonrathi

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates Squad:

• Esha Oza (c), Samaira Dharnidharka, Heena Hotchandani, Lavanya Keny, Kavisha Egodage, Suraksha Kotte, Vaishnave Mahesh, Indhuja Nandakumar, Rinitha Rajith, Rishitha Rajith, Rithika Rajith, Khushi Sharma, Theertha Satish, Emily Thomas, Mehak Thakur

All squads are available for trading in both 1x and 2x on the Sixer App. Get ready for the high stakes and electrifying atmosphere of the Women's Asia Cup this July. Step in, refine your trading skills, and join us for the most thrilling cricketing season!