India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan on September 5 in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Thursday announced the schedule for the tournament, which will be held in Dubai from August 28 to September 13.
Three-time champions India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong, China. The India-Pakistan clash is expected to be the marquee fixture of the league stage.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s side will begin its campaign against Thailand on August 30 before facing Hong Kong, China on September 3. India will then meet Pakistan on September 5 in its final league-stage match.
Group B comprises defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia and hosts United Arab Emirates.
The tournament will open on August 28 with Thailand taking on Hong Kong, China at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka will start their campaign against UAE on August 29, while Bangladesh will face Indonesia on August 31.
Pakistan will also play Thailand on September 1 and Hong Kong, China on September 7 in the group stage.
Defending champions Sri Lanka will take on Indonesia on September 2 and Bangladesh on September 6 after their opening match against UAE. Bangladesh will conclude their league campaign against UAE on September 8, while Indonesia will face UAE on September 4.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals, scheduled for September 10 and 11. The final will be played on September 13.
All 15 matches, including the semifinals and final, will be played under lights at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
(With agency input)
