The Women’s Asia Cup 2024, scheduled to take place from November 1 to November 16, 2024, in Sri Lanka, is one of the most anticipated tournaments in women’s cricket this year. The stage is set for an exciting contest between Asian powerhouses, with India looking to extend their dominance, while other nations eye the opportunity to script a historic upset.
This edition of the Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format, continuing the format adopted since 2012, aligning with the global rise of T20 women’s cricket. With growing competitiveness among Asian nations, the tournament could either reinforce India’s supremacy or spotlight a surprising new contender.
India Women: The Team to Beat
India Women have been the traditional giants of the Women’s Asia Cup, winning seven of the eight editions held so far. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the squad looks balanced, experienced, and highly competitive heading into the 2024 edition.
Key players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh have all been in top form across domestic and international cricket. India’s recent 3-0 clean sweep over South Africa in June 2024 demonstrated their depth and momentum going into the Asia Cup.
In addition, India’s bowling unit has become far more versatile. Renuka Singh Thakur continues to lead the pace attack, while spin options like Radha Yadav and Sneh Rana give India a formidable edge on turning Sri Lankan tracks.
The Chasing Pack: Who Can Challenge India?
While India are the clear favourites, several teams have evolved considerably and are capable of causing upsets.
1. Pakistan Women
Despite inconsistent performances, Pakistan have always been a potential threat in Asia Cup tournaments. Led by Nida Dar, their spin-heavy attack could be highly effective in Lankan conditions. With emerging batter Sidra Ameen and all-rounder Aliya Riaz gaining form, Pakistan could make a deep run if they find early momentum.
2. Sri Lanka Women
As hosts, Sri Lanka will have home advantage and crowd support. The team, led by the experienced Chamari Athapaththu, is known for surprising bigger sides. Sri Lanka reached the final in the 2022 edition, and with players like Kavisha Dilhari and Inoka Ranaweera, they will aim to go one better this year.
3. Bangladesh Women
Winners of the 2018 Asia Cup, Bangladesh are no longer underdogs. Their disciplined bowling and fearless middle-order batting, led by Nigar Sultana and Rumana Ahmed, could trouble any team on their day. Their narrow loss to India in the 2022 edition is still fresh in memory and will serve as motivation.
4. Thailand Women
Thailand has been the most improved side in recent years. While not yet at par with the top 3, they have beaten full-member nations before. With Nattaya Boochatham and Chanida Sutthiruang making consistent contributions, Thailand could cause at least one major upset in the group stage.
Players to Watch
- Shafali Verma (India): Known for her explosive starts, Shafali will be key to India’s batting at the top.
- Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka): The Lankan skipper’s aggressive batting style could swing matches single-handedly.
- Nida Dar (Pakistan): Her experience as an all-rounder makes her a valuable asset in pressure situations.
- Richa Ghosh (India): As a finisher, Richa’s ability to accelerate in the last overs can prove decisive.
- Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh): The calm and composed Bangladeshi captain will be crucial in anchoring tough chases.
What Makes Asia Cup 2024 Special?
This edition of the Asia Cup comes at a time when women’s cricket is expanding rapidly in terms of fanbase, visibility, and professionalism. With the introduction of central contracts in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and stronger grassroots programs in India and Bangladesh, the competitive gap is slowly closing.
Additionally, this tournament will serve as a crucial preparation platform for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, allowing teams to assess their combinations and build momentum.
Final Thoughts
The Women’s Asia Cup 2024 is shaping up to be a blockbuster event. While India remain the frontrunners, the gap between the top and mid-tier teams is narrowing. With conditions in Sri Lanka offering spin-friendly pitches and unpredictable weather, upsets are very much on the cards.
Will India lift their eighth Asia Cup title, or will one of their rivals rise to challenge their reign? Cricket fans won’t have to wait long to find out. From November 1, 2024, all eyes will be on Sri Lanka as a new chapter in Asian women’s cricket unfolds.
