The ninth edition of the Women’s Asia Cup T20 is currently underway in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, bringing together the best teams in Asia for a high-octane tournament. Here’s a quick rundown for cricket fans to stay updated:
The Format:
- Played in the T20 format since 2012, the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup features eight teams.
- This is an increase from the previous edition, with all teams playing each other once in the group stage.
- The top two teams then progress to the final, scheduled for July 28th.
- Importantly, all matches hold T20I status, offering valuable ranking points for the teams.
The Teams:
- The defending champions, India, are looking to continue their dominance having won seven out of the eight previous editions.
- Sri Lanka, the hosts, will be eager to impress on home soil after finishing runners-up in 2022.
- Other contenders include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Nepal.
- The inclusion of Nepal, a rising force in Asian women’s cricket, adds a new dimension to the competition.
The Significance:
- The Women’s Asia Cup serves as a crucial stepping stone for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in October, to be held in Bangladesh.
- Teams will be using this tournament to fine-tune their strategies and identify their strengths and weaknesses before the big event.
Current Standings (as of July 19th):
- The tournament got underway on July 19th with India registering a convincing seven-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan.
- In the other opening match, Nepal pulled off a thrilling six-wicket win against the United Arab Emirates.
- The remaining matches promise exciting contests as teams vie for a place in the final.
Where to Catch the Action:
- Fans can follow the live scores and commentary on various cricket websites and apps.
- Depending on your location, there might be local broadcasters showcasing the matches.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024 as the tournament unfolds, and witness the best of Asian women’s cricket battle it out for glory!
