The ninth edition of the Women’s Asia Cup, a prestigious tournament in the world of women’s cricket, is set to commence on July 19th in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. India, the defending champion, enters the competition with a formidable reputation, having won eight out of the nine editions of the tournament. Their dominance in the competition is unmatched, making them the clear favorites for the title.
Bangladesh, the only other team to have tasted victory in the Women’s Asia Cup, defeated India in the 2018 final in Malaysia. Sri Lanka, the host nation, has consistently performed well, finishing as runners-up five times. Pakistan, another strong contender, has made it to the final twice.
The tournament’s format has evolved over the years. The first four editions were contested in the One Day International (ODI) format. However, subsequent editions, including the upcoming one, are being played in the Twenty20 International (T20I) format, which emphasizes fast-paced action and exciting finishes.
In the 2022 edition, seven teams – India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Malaysia, and Pakistan – competed in a round robin format. The top four teams advanced to the semifinals, setting the stage for intense battles for a place in the final.
For the 2024 edition, the tournament has been expanded to include eight teams. The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals. This format promises exciting group stage encounters, as teams battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
The summit clash of the Asia Cup will be played at the iconic Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on July 28th. This grand finale will determine the ultimate champion of the tournament, and all eyes will be on the teams as they strive to lift the coveted trophy.
