Women's Asia Cup begins today, Bangladesh on a mission to reclaim title after eight years

Eight years ago, Bangladesh won the Women's Asia Cup by defeating India at the Kinara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur. That is the biggest success of Bangladeshi cricket so far, both men and women. Now, Nigar Sultana's team is on a mission to bring back that memory.

The 10th edition of the Women's Asia Cup begins today in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a match between Hong Kong and Thailand. Bangladesh's first match in this year's T20 tournament is on August 31. Bangladesh will face Indonesia in Dubai that day.

This year's edition is being organized by dividing eight teams into two groups. Bangladesh is in Group 'B' along with the current champion Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. Seven-time champion India, Pakistan, Hong Kong and Thailand will play in Group 'A'. The top two teams from both groups will advance to the semi-finals. The final will be held on September 13.

Bangladesh could not reach the final in the next two editions after becoming the champion in 2018. This time, Nigar Sultana's team wants to overcome that disappointment and return to the title fight again.

However, Bangladesh received bad news before the tournament started. Left-arm pacer Fariha Islam was ruled out on August 25 due to a thigh injury. Not only the Asia Cup, she has also been ruled out of the Asian Games cricket starting on September 19.

17-year-old right-arm pacer Farzana Yasmin has been named in the team as Fariha's replacement. She has not yet made her international debut.

The biggest favorite in this tournament is seven-time champion India. However, they do not have the last title in their hands. Sri Lanka became the champion of the Women's Asia Cup for the first time in 2024, defeating India on home soil.

Indonesia is making its debut in this tournament. The Southeast Asian country got a ticket to the main stage by finishing third in the qualifiers.

Group

Group ‘A’: India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Thailand

Group ‘B’: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates

Bangladesh matches
31 August: Indonesia
6 September: Sri Lanka
8 September: United Arab Emirates

All of Bangladesh’s matches will be held in Dubai, Bangladesh time at 8:30 pm.

Bangladesh is entering the field with the dream of winning the Asia Cup title again after eight years. Whether that history will be repeated this time or not, the answer will be found in the final on 13 September.