August 25: The Pakistan women’s cricket team is gearing up for the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, set to begin on August 28 in Dubai.
In a unique approach to their preparation, the team has played matches against the men’s team to enhance their skills for the T20 format tournament.
According to a report from Cricinfo, the Pakistan women’s team recently engaged in matches against the men’s team from Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy during a pre-tournament camp held at the NCA in Lahore. The men’s team consisted of both young and experienced players.
These matches were conducted in a full 20-over format, allowing players to face challenging situations and improve their decision-making against tough opposition. The encounters helped the Pakistan team elevate their skill levels and overall performance.
Captain Fatima Sana stated, “The matches against the men’s team have significantly aided our preparation for the Asia Cup. We faced pressure during these games, and this experience will help us tackle the challenges of the upcoming tournament. We are well-prepared.”
Sana emphasized the importance of managing pressure, saying, “We needed to understand how to handle pressure. Our biggest challenge in major tournaments has been dealing with high-pressure situations, where we have often struggled. The matches against the men’s team have helped us, and you will see the results in our upcoming matches.”
She added, “We learned that it is crucial to remain calm under pressure. We have advised the girls to stay composed during tough times, trust their hard work, and stick to their plans.”
Regarding the conditions in Dubai, Sana noted that they are similar to those in Pakistan, which gives them an advantage. “We know how to play there,” she said.
The Pakistan women’s cricket team has had a disappointing run in the T20 format recently. Under Fatima Sana’s captaincy, the team managed to win only one out of five matches in the T20 World Cup 2026, losing to South Africa, Australia, Bangladesh, and India, with their sole victory against the Netherlands. The team faced criticism for poor bowling, batting, fielding, and decision-making during the tournament.
It has been ten years since the Pakistan team reached the finals of the Asia Cup, with their last exit occurring in the semifinals against .
The Women’s Asia Cup will take place in Dubai from August 28 to September 13. Pakistan is in Group A, alongside India, Thailand, and Hong Kong. The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for September 5.