Women's Asia Cup 2026: Esha Oza leads UAE, Chaiwai captains Thailand
Synopsis
UAE are hosting the Women's Asia Cup for the very first time, with all-rounder Esha Oza leading the home side against defending champions Sri Lanka in their opener on 29 August. Thailand, captained by Naruemol Chaiwai, face the toughest group draw — going up against seven-time winners India and Pakistan. The final is set for 13 September at the Dubai International Stadium.
Key Takeaways
Esha Oza will captain UAE's 15-member squad at the Women's Asia Cup 2026 , beginning 28 August 2026 in Dubai.
UAE are hosting the Women's Asia Cup for the first time ; both UAE and Thailand qualified via the 2026 ACC Premier Women's Cup in Malaysia.
UAE are placed in Group B with defending champions Sri Lanka , Bangladesh , and Indonesia ; they open against Sri Lanka on 29 August .
Naruemol Chaiwai captains Thailand , who face seven-time winners India and Pakistan in Group A .
The semi-finals are on 10 and 11 September ; the final is scheduled for 13 September 2026 .
Former international Subha Venkataraman serves as UAE's head coach for the tournament.
Esha Oza, the experienced all-rounder, will lead a 15-member UAE squad in the Women's Asia Cup 2026, set to begin at the Dubai International Stadium on 28 August 2026. The eight-team continental tournament marks the first time UAE will host the Women's Asia Cup, making it a historic occasion for cricket in the country.
UAE's Group Stage Draw and Schedule
UAE have been placed in Group B alongside former champions Bangladesh, Indonesia, and defending champions Sri Lanka. The hosts open their campaign against Sri Lanka on 29 August, before facing Indonesia on 4 September and Bangladesh on 8 September. All matches will be played under lights, with a start time of 6:30 pm local time.
UAE Squad and Support Staff
The UAE squad features wicketkeeper-batter Theertha Satish alongside regular performers including Samaira Dharnidharka, Vaishnave Mahesh, and Indhuja Nandakumar. Former international cricketer Subha Venkataraman will serve as head coach, supported by assistant coach Shahzada Saleem. Shyla Alam has been named strength and conditioning coach, with Merin Saji appointed physiotherapist.
Both UAE and Thailand earned their places in the main event through the 2026 ACC Premier Women's Cup, held in Malaysia in June 2026.
Thailand's Squad Under Chaiwai
Naruemol Chaiwai will captain a 15-member Thailand squad in the tournament. Thailand have been drawn into the more competitive Group A, alongside seven-time winners India, Pakistan, and regional qualifiers Hong Kong, China. The Thai lineup features key players including wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Khoncharoenkai, top-order batter Nathakan Chantham, Chanida Sutthiruang, Thipatcha Putthawong, and Suleeporn Laomi.
Tournament Structure and Key Dates
The two semi-finals are scheduled for 10 and 11 September, with the final set for 13 September 2026. The eight participating teams are split across two groups, with the top sides from each group advancing to the knockout stage. This edition is notable for UAE's debut as host nation at the continental level.
Full UAE Squad: Esha Oza (captain), Archara Supriya, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Janani Thirukkumaran, Lavanya Keny, Mehul Kulkarni, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wk), Uttara Iyer, Vaishnave Mahesh.
Full Thailand Squad: Naruemol Chaiwai (captain), Nannapat Khoncharoenkai (wk), Nathakan Chantham, Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleeporn Laomi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong, Phannita Maya, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Chayanisa Phengpaeng, Nannaphat Chaihan, Koranit Suwanchonrathi, Thanrada Seesawan, Naomi Hamilton.
With the final on 13 September, all eyes will be on whether the host nation UAE can make an impact in their maiden continental hosting assignment.
Point of View
But the real test is on the field — Group B's draw, which includes defending champions Sri Lanka, gives UAE an immediate credibility check in front of a home crowd. Thailand's placement in Group A alongside India and Pakistan is arguably the toughest possible draw for a qualifier, yet it is precisely these high-profile fixtures that grow the game in emerging cricket nations. The tournament's structure — all matches under lights at a single venue — is a logistical asset, but the ACC will need to ensure it translates into viewership and grassroots momentum beyond the marquee ties.
NationPress
21 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Women's Asia Cup 2026?
The Women's Asia Cup 2026 begins on 28 August 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium in UAE. All matches are played under lights starting at 6:30 pm local time, with the final scheduled for 13 September 2026.
Who is captaining UAE in the Women's Asia Cup 2026?
Experienced all-rounder Esha Oza will captain UAE's 15-member squad. She is supported by head coach Subha Venkataraman, a former international cricketer.
Which group are UAE and Thailand placed in?
UAE are in Group B alongside defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Thailand are in Group A with seven-time winners India, Pakistan, and Hong Kong, China.
How did UAE and Thailand qualify for the Women's Asia Cup 2026?
Both UAE and Thailand qualified through the 2026 ACC Premier Women's Cup, held in Malaysia in June 2026. It is the first time UAE are hosting the Women's Asia Cup.
Who are the key players to watch for Thailand?
Thailand's key players include wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat Khoncharoenkai, top-order batter Nathakan Chantham, and allrounders Chanida Sutthiruang and Thipatcha Putthawong, all under the captaincy of Naruemol Chaiwai.
