India takes three wickets at half way stage against Pakistan in opening tie

The 9^th edition of the Women's T20I Asia Cup 2024 organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to be hosted by Sri Lanka from July 19th to July 28th, 2024 will witness the most successful team in the history of the tourney India take on Pakistan in a Group A league encounter* at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla on the opening day.

 The much awaited continental Women’s tourney will feature eight teams of the likes of Sri Lanka, last year finalist Bangladesh UAE, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand in addition to Pakistan and reigning champions India split into two groups. Group A comprises India, Pakistan, Nepal and  UAE, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, last year’s finalist Bangladesh, Malaysia and  Thailand.

 Each team will play against the other three teams in its group in a single round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinal and the winners of the same will vie for glory in the grand finale on July 28, Sunday. 

 In line with the ACC's vision for inclusivity and equality in cricket, the Women's T20I Asia Cup 2024 will continue the tradition of having all female referees and umpires, following the successful implementation of the same in the previous edition.

The Indian squad for Women's Asia Cup 2024 will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur with opener Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. The other members of the team include  Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), , Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan.

 ACC President, Jay Shah earlier in a statement had quoted “The Women's T20I Asia Cup 2024 underscores the ACC's commitment to promoting women's cricket in the region. We are excited to see the increased participation and competitiveness among the teams, reflecting the growing popularity and importance of women's cricket. This expansion, from six teams in 2018 to seven in 2022, and now eight, is a testament to our commitment to the women’s game and the burgeoning talent pool in Asian cricket. We anticipate an exciting tournament that will inspire both players and fans”.

He further added “The Women's T20I Asia Cup has become a significant event in the ACC calendar, providing a platform for women cricketers to showcase their skills and passion for the sport. The ACC remains steadfast in its efforts to advance women's cricket and create more opportunities for women to excel internationally”.
 

*As per latest updates India all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar dismissed Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali in consecutive overs to provide India advantage snared two wickets to give the Women in Blue the advantage, after Pakistan captain Nida Dar won the toss and opted to bat first. Pakistan had scored 53 for the loss of 3 wickets  (37 for 2 in six overs of powerplay)

Photo Above : Indian all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar(2^nd from Right)  who took two wickets in consecutive overs inside powerplay being congratulated by her team mates (Photo courtesy BCCI)