The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Thursday, 6 August released the full schedule for the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026, confirming that three-time champions India will face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The eight-nation tournament runs from 28 August to 13 September 2026, with all 15 matches played under lights in Dubai.

India's Group Stage Fixtures

Harmanpreet Kaur's side has been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Thailand, and Hong Kong, China. India open their campaign against Thailand on 30 August, followed by a clash with Hong Kong, China on 3 September, before the marquee India-Pakistan encounter on 5 September.

The India-Pakistan fixture is widely expected to be the highest-profile match of the league stage, continuing one of cricket's most watched bilateral rivalries at the continental level.

Full Tournament Structure

The competition is split into two groups of four. Group A comprises India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Hong Kong, China. Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The tournament opens on 28 August with Thailand taking on Hong Kong, China. Sri Lanka — winners of the previous edition held in 2025 — begin their title defence against UAE on 29 August, while Bangladesh face Indonesia on 31 August.

Pakistan's remaining group fixtures pit them against Thailand on 1 September and Hong Kong, China on 7 September. In Group B, Sri Lanka face Indonesia on 2 September and Bangladesh on 6 September; Bangladesh close out their group stage against UAE on 8 September, while Indonesia also meet UAE on 4 September.

Knockout Stage and Final

The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. The first semifinal is scheduled for 10 September and the second semifinal on 11 September, with the final set for 13 September. All knockout matches will also be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium under lights.

Context and Stakes

India are the tournament's most successful side with three titles, making their every campaign a benchmark for the rest of the field. This edition marks the return of the Women's T20 Asia Cup after the 2025 edition, which Sri Lanka won, ending India's dominance. Notably, the UAE's role as hosts adds a fresh dimension, with the Gulf nation increasingly becoming a preferred neutral venue for high-stakes Asian cricket.

With the ICC Women's events cycle intensifying, performances in the Asia Cup will carry weight beyond the continental trophy, influencing squad selection and confidence heading into global tournaments.