Pakistan Women Begin Asian Games Cricket Campaign Against Thailand
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan’s women’s cricket team will begin its 2026 Asian Games campaign against Thailand in the quarter-final at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
The two sides will meet again shortly after their encounter at the ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai, where Pakistan secured a 35-run victory.
Pakistan Enter Asian Games After Asia Cup
The Pakistan squad, led by captain Fatima Sana, travelled directly from the United Arab Emirates to Japan following the Women’s Asia Cup.
Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali will miss the Asian Games after returning to Pakistan because of her mother’s illness. Gull Feroza has been included as her replacement.
Pakistan have also made three changes from their Asia Cup squad. Aliya Riaz, Tasmia Rubab and Humna Bilal have come into the team, replacing Sadaf Shamas, Waheeda Akhtar and Sadia Iqbal.
Eight Teams Competing for Asian Games Cricket Gold
The women’s cricket competition features eight teams: Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and hosts Japan.
The semi-finals are scheduled for September 20, followed by the gold and bronze medal matches on September 22.
Pakistan have a strong record in Asian Games women’s cricket. They won the gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou and successfully defended their title at the 2014 Games in Incheon.
Fatima Sana Confident Ahead of Thailand Match
Captain Fatima Sana said Pakistan are looking forward to representing the country at the Asian Games and understand the importance of starting the competition strongly.
She said the team would need to remain focused from the opening match against Thailand and give its best effort in the pursuit of another medal.
Fatima also described the tournament as an important opportunity for the players to gain experience while representing Pakistan in Japan.
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Squad
Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Humna Bilal, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani.
Support staff: Wahab Riaz (coach/mentor), Ayesha Ashar (team manager), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Umaid Asif (fast bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Waleed Ahmed (performance analyst) and Tehreem Sumbal (physiotherapist).
Pakistan will be aiming to make a strong start against Thailand as they begin their campaign to regain the Asian Games women’s cricket gold medal.
