Women’s Asia Cup 2026: India Reach Final as Tournament Enters Decisive Stage
The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 has entered its final phase in the UAE, with India securing a place in the final after defeating Bangladesh in the first semifinal. The tournament began on August 28 in Dubai and features eight teams competing in the T20I format.
India’s progression to the final keeps them on course for another Women’s Asia Cup title, while the second semifinal between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will determine their opponent. The final is scheduled for September 13.
Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Reaches Crucial Stage
The tenth edition of the Women’s Asia Cup is being played across the UAE, with eight teams divided into two groups.
India, Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong were placed in Group A, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia and hosts UAE formed Group B. The top two teams from each group advanced to the semifinals.
India finished at the top of Group A and entered the semifinal unbeaten. Bangladesh secured the second semifinal place from Group B before facing India in the knockout stage.
India Beat Bangladesh to Reach Final
India faced Bangladesh in the first semifinal on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Indian side continued its strong run in the competition and secured a place in the final. Shafali Verma produced an aggressive batting performance, while Deepti Sharma played an important role with the ball as India defeated Bangladesh by 40 runs.
The victory also extended India’s remarkable record in the competition, with the team reaching the Women’s Asia Cup final for the 10th consecutive time.
Smriti Mandhana Creates Historic Record
One of the biggest individual moments of the tournament came earlier in India’s campaign when vice-captain Smriti Mandhana produced a spectacular innings against Hong Kong.
Mandhana scored 124 runs from 64 deliveries, including 14 fours and seven sixes. The performance helped India post 193/5 and secured their progress to the semifinals.
The century also took Mandhana past Mithali Raj’s previous record of 10,868 international runs, making her the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. She also moved to 18 international centuries, becoming the leading century-maker in the women’s game.
India Enter Final With Strong Momentum
India’s campaign has been powered by contributions from experienced players including Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, along with performances from younger members of the squad.
The Indian squad for the tournament includes Harmanpreet Kaur as captain, Mandhana as vice-captain, Shafali Verma, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, G Kamalini, Arundhati Reddy, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud and Pratika Rawal.
Jemimah Rodrigues was ruled out of the tournament before its start after suffering a high-grade hamstring tear, with Pratika Rawal named as her replacement.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan for Second Final Spot
The second semifinal is scheduled between Sri Lanka and Pakistan on September 11.
Sri Lanka topped Group B, while Pakistan finished second in Group A. The winner will face India in the Women’s Asia Cup final on September 13.
Sri Lanka entered the knockout stage unbeaten, while Pakistan secured its semifinal place after finishing behind India in Group A.
The result will determine whether India faces Sri Lanka in the final or a high-profile meeting with Pakistan takes place for the championship.
Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Schedule
The tournament’s knockout schedule is now set:
- September 10: India vs Bangladesh — First semifinal
- September 11: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan — Second semifinal
- September 13: Final
Both semifinals are being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the championship match scheduled for September 13.
A Major Tournament for Women’s Cricket
The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 is an important competition for teams preparing for the next stage of the international women’s cricket calendar.
The tournament provides an opportunity for established players to maintain momentum while giving emerging cricketers exposure to high-pressure international matches.
For India, the competition has also provided another platform for Mandhana, Shafali and Deepti to make an impact while Harmanpreet Kaur leads the side through the knockout stage.
What Happens Next?
With India already through to the final, attention now turns to the second semifinal between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
India will have several days to prepare for the championship match after completing its semifinal on September 10. The final on September 13 will bring the tournament to a close and determine the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup champion.
The competition has already produced major individual milestones, particularly Mandhana’s record-breaking performance, while India’s continued presence in the final underlines its dominance in the tournament’s history.
FAQs
1. What is the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
The Women’s Asia Cup 2026 is the tenth edition of the women’s continental cricket tournament and is being played in the T20I format in the UAE.
2. Has India reached the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final?
Yes. India defeated Bangladesh in the first semifinal to qualify for the final.
3. Who will India face in the final?
India will face the winner of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan semifinal.
4. When is the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final?
The final is scheduled for September 13, 2026.
5. Where is the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 being played?
The tournament is being hosted in the UAE, with the knockout matches being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
6. Who is India’s captain?
Harmanpreet Kaur is leading the Indian women’s team in the tournament. Smriti Mandhana is the vice-captain.
7. What record did Smriti Mandhana break?
Mandhana became the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket after surpassing Mithali Raj’s tally of 10,868 runs. She also became the leading century-maker in women’s international cricket with her 18th century.
