The countdown to the continental championship has begun as the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 gets underway on August 28, 2026. Across 17 days of T20 cricket, eight teams will compete in 15 matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, with the tournament concluding with the final on September 13.
Every fixture is scheduled as an evening match starting at 6:30 PM local time in Dubai, which is 8:00 PM IST. The single-venue format also means that teams will have to adapt to the same ground throughout the competition.
For a complete overview of the tournament, including the participating teams, groups, squads, format and key players, read Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Schedule, Teams, Squads, Groups, Format and Key Players.
Official references: ICC | Emirates Cricket Board
Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Schedule Overview
| Detail | Official Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 |
| Edition | 10th edition |
| Dates | August 28 – September 13, 2026 |
| Host Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Teams | 8 |
| Total Matches | 15 |
| Group Matches | 12 |
| Semi-Finals | 2 |
| Final | September 13, 2026 |
| Match Time | 6:30 PM Dubai / 8:00 PM IST |
| Defending Champions | Sri Lanka |
| Record Champions | India – 7 titles |
Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Full Match Schedule
All 15 matches are scheduled at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The group stage runs from August 28 to September 8, followed by the semi-finals on September 10 and 11 and the final on September 13.
| Date | Fixture | Group / Stage | IST | Dubai Local Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 28, 2026 | Thailand vs Hong Kong, China | Group A | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Aug 29, 2026 | Sri Lanka vs UAE | Group B | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Aug 30, 2026 | India vs Thailand | Group A | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Aug 31, 2026 | Bangladesh vs Indonesia | Group B | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Pakistan vs Thailand | Group A | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep 2, 2026 | Sri Lanka vs Indonesia | Group B | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep 3, 2026 | India vs Hong Kong, China | Group A | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep 4, 2026 | UAE vs Indonesia | Group B | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep 5, 2026 | India vs Pakistan | Group A | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep 6, 2026 | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Group B | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep 7, 2026 | Pakistan vs Hong Kong, China | Group A | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Bangladesh vs UAE | Group B | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep 10, 2026 | Semi-Final 1: A1 vs B2 | Knockout | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep 11, 2026 | Semi-Final 2: B1 vs A2 | Knockout | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Sep 13, 2026 | Final | Championship | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
India Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Schedule
India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong, China. The seven-time champions begin their campaign on August 30 against Thailand.
| Date | India Fixture | Group | IST |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 30 | India vs Thailand | Group A | 8:00 PM |
| September 3 | India vs Hong Kong, China | Group A | 8:00 PM |
| September 5 | India vs Pakistan | Group A | 8:00 PM |
India's group-stage campaign gives them three opportunities to secure qualification for the semi-finals. The top two teams from Group A will progress to the knockout stage.
For squad details please visit Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Teams and Squads: Full Players List for All 8 Teams
India vs Pakistan Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Date and Time
The India-Pakistan group-stage clash is scheduled for September 5, 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India Women vs Pakistan Women |
| Date | September 5, 2026 |
| Group | Group A |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Start Time | 8:00 PM IST |
| Dubai Time | 6:30 PM local time |
The match is one of the biggest fixtures of the group stage. Beyond the intensity of the rivalry, the result could have a major impact on the Group A qualification race and semi-final seeding.
India enter the tournament as the most successful team in Women’s Asia Cup history, while Pakistan will be looking to make an impact in a difficult Group A.
Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Semi-Final and Final Schedule
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The first semi-final is scheduled for September 10, followed by the second semi-final on September 11.
| Date | Match | IST | Dubai Local Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 10 | Semi-Final 1: A1 vs B2 | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| September 11 | Semi-Final 2: B1 vs A2 | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| September 13 | Final | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
The final will bring the 17-day tournament to a close on September 13, with the winners of the two semi-finals competing for the Women’s Asia Cup title.
Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Format and Groups
The eight participating teams are divided into two groups of four.
Group A
- India
- Pakistan
- Thailand
- Hong Kong, China
Group B
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- United Arab Emirates
- Indonesia
Each team plays three group-stage matches against the other teams in its group. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.
That makes the group stage particularly important because every result contributes to the qualification race. A strong start can put a team in a better position before the knockout stage.
Format reference: ICC – Women’s Asia Cup 2026
Key Fixtures to Watch
1. Thailand vs Hong Kong, China – August 28
The tournament begins with Thailand facing Hong Kong, China in Group A. As the opening match, it will provide the first indication of how the teams adapt to the Dubai conditions.
2. India vs Thailand – August 30
Seven-time champions India begin their campaign against Thailand. India will be looking to start strongly and build momentum in Group A.
3. India vs Pakistan – September 5
The marquee Group A fixture will bring India and Pakistan together on September 5. The contest is expected to attract significant attention because of the rivalry and its potential importance to the qualification race.
4. Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – September 6
Defending champions Sri Lanka face Bangladesh in another important Group B fixture. The match could have implications for the race to finish in the top two positions of the group.
The Dubai Factor: Playing 15 Matches at One Venue
All 15 matches of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This single-venue structure removes the need for teams to travel between grounds during the tournament.
It also creates an interesting tactical challenge. Rather than adjusting to different venues, teams will repeatedly encounter the same ground while conditions can still vary from one match to another.
Pitch Conditions
Teams will need to assess the surface on the day rather than assuming that every Dubai pitch will behave in exactly the same way. Surface pace, grip and bounce can influence how captains construct their bowling attacks and batting plans.
Boundary Hitting and Strike Rotation
Batters may need to balance boundary hitting with running between the wickets. When boundaries are harder to find, rotating the strike and converting singles into twos can become particularly valuable in the middle overs.
Toss and Evening Conditions
With matches beginning at 6:30 PM local time, captains will have to consider how the pitch and weather conditions could change during the two innings. The toss decision could therefore become an important part of match strategy.
Because all teams will play at the same venue, the ability to learn quickly from previous matches could become another advantage as the tournament progresses.
Venue and timing reference: Emirates Cricket Board
Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Important Dates to Remember
- August 28: Tournament opener – Thailand vs Hong Kong, China
- August 30: India begin their campaign against Thailand
- September 3: India vs Hong Kong, China
- September 5: India vs Pakistan
- September 8: Final group-stage match
- September 10: Semi-Final 1
- September 11: Semi-Final 2
- September 13: Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Final
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 start and finish?
The tournament begins on August 28, 2026, and concludes with the final on September 13, 2026.
What time do Women’s Asia Cup 2026 matches start in India?
All 15 matches are scheduled to start at 8:00 PM IST, corresponding to 6:30 PM local time in Dubai.
When is the India vs Pakistan match in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
India will play Pakistan on September 5, 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The match is scheduled for 8:00 PM IST.
Where will the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 matches be played?
All 15 matches will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
What is the format of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
Eight teams are divided into two groups of four. Each team plays three group-stage matches, and the top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.
How many matches are there in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
There are 15 matches in total: 12 group-stage matches, two semi-finals and one final.
When will India play in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
India are scheduled to play Thailand on August 30, Hong Kong, China on September 3 and Pakistan on September 5 during the group stage.
Final Takeaway
The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 schedule offers a compact 17-day tournament with all 15 matches being played at one venue in Dubai. For Indian viewers, every fixture is scheduled for prime time at 8:00 PM IST.
India's group-stage matches against Thailand, Hong Kong, China and Pakistan will be among the most followed fixtures, while the September 10 and 11 semi-finals will determine the finalists.
Whether defending champions Sri Lanka can retain their crown or India can add another title to their record will become clear when the tournament reaches its September 13 final.
Official references: International Cricket Council (ICC) | Emirates Cricket Board (ECB)