News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/17th July 2024
The eagerly anticipated Women’s Asia Cup 2024 is set to kick off, promising an exhilarating showcase of cricket talent among eight competing teams. Scheduled from July 19 to 28, the tournament will unfold entirely in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, featuring a total of 15 matches, including group-stage clashes, semi-finals, and the grand final.
This year’s competition marks an expansion from the previous edition, accommodating eight teams instead of seven. The teams are divided into two groups: Group A comprises India, Nepal, Pakistan, and UAE, while Group B features hosts Sri Lanka alongside Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand. Each group will engage in round-robin matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
Nepal returns to the Asia Cup after a gap since 2016, having secured their place through a strong performance in the Women’s Premier Cup 2024 earlier this year. Alongside Nepal, UAE, Malaysia, and Thailand also earned their spots in the Asia Cup following their semi-final appearances in the Premier Cup.
The tournament opener on July 19 sets the stage for a thrilling clash between Nepal and UAE, followed by the marquee encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan later in the day. Sri Lanka will begin their campaign against Bangladesh the following day, promising another high-intensity match.
Key players to watch include India’s Harmanpreet Kaur, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, and Bangladesh’s Nigar Sultana, who are pivotal in their respective teams’ strategies. Despite India’s dominance with seven previous titles, Bangladesh’s 2018 triumph and Sri Lanka’s recent T20I form add intrigue to the competition, suggesting fierce battles ahead.
Reflecting on the 2022 edition, India emerged victorious after a dominant campaign, culminating in a convincing victory over Sri Lanka in the final. This year, all eyes will be on whether India can maintain their stronghold or if challengers like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka can upset the balance.
In terms of leadership, teams have made minor adjustments with Nida Dar assuming captaincy for Pakistan following Bismah Maroof’s retirement. Sri Lanka’s Athapaththu continues to lead with her stellar batting prowess, while new faces like Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong step in due to injuries.
As the tournament approaches, cricket enthusiasts can expect competitive matches amidst the scenic backdrop of Dambulla. The event also emphasizes inclusivity with all-female match officials and free entry for fans, fostering greater engagement and support for women’s cricket.
With preparations underway and teams gearing up for their final selections ahead of the T20 World Cup, the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 promises to be a captivating precursor to the global spectacle, showcasing the best of Asian cricket talent on the international stage.
