The highly anticipated clash between defending champions India and arch-rivals Pakistan headlines the opening day of the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian team will look to extend their dominance against a resurgent Pakistan side in this marquee encounter on July 19 in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
India boasts an impressive record of seven Asia Cup titles. However, Pakistan, under Nida Dar’s captaincy, will be eager to pull off an upset and avenge their loss in the previous edition. The two teams have faced each other 14 times in T20Is, with India holding a commanding 11-3 advantage.
Over the past year, India has played 17 T20I matches, winning 10 and losing 5, with 2 no-results. In contrast, Pakistan has been more active, playing 19 matches, but with a less impressive record of 7 wins and 12 losses.
The match promises to be a titanic tussle between two of Asia’s cricketing heavyweights. India’s batting lineup, featuring Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Harmanpreet, will be up against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack led by Diana Baig and Nida Dar.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will rely on the batting prowess of Bismah Maroof, Aliya Riaz, and Muneeba Ali to put pressure on the Indian bowlers. The match could be decided by which team holds its nerve in crunch situations.
The opening day will also see Nepal take on UAE, setting the stage for an exciting fortnight of cricket. With the 2024 T20 World Cup just months away, the Asia Cup provides the perfect platform for teams to fine-tune their preparations.
India and Pakistan have faced each other six times in the Women’s Asia Cup T20, with India winning five encounters. Notably, four of India’s five wins against Pakistan have come under Harmanpreet’s captaincy.