Pakistan Women play T20 matches against men's side for Asia Cup preparation

Pakistan Women have taken an unconventional route to prepare for the Women's Asia Cup 2026, playing T20 matches against a men's side from the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The matches were designed to put the squad under competitive pressure ahead of the tournament, which begins in Dubai on August 28.

Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, Thailand and Hong Kong. Their confirmed group fixture includes a match against India on September 5, with further games against Thailand and Hong Kong also scheduled during the group stage.

"We are well prepared for the tournament. We have played competitive matches against boys in which we were put under pressure. These learnings will help us adapt to the challenges of the competition," Fatima Sana said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Why did Pakistan Women choose to train against a men's side?

The Women in Green opted to face a men's team to replicate the intensity and pace they are likely to encounter in a high-stakes tournament environment. Playing against the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy men's side at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore gave the squad the opportunity to experience sharper bowling and fielding pressure than a standard intra-squad session would provide.

Fatima Sana explained the thinking behind the sessions.

"We needed to understand how to handle the pressure better, and that is something which is highlighted whenever there is a big tournament," she said.

The squad also reflected on what those competitive matches delivered.

"We have played competitive matches against boys in which we were put under pressure. These learnings will help us adapt to the challenges of the competition," the team noted after the camp.

How has Pakistan Women's recent form shaped their Asia Cup approach?

Pakistan's preparation focus on handling pressure is informed by their recent tournament record. In the T20 World Cup 2026, the side won one match, against the Netherlands, but lost to South Africa and Bangladesh. Despite the early exit, Fatima Sana stood out individually, scoring an unbeaten 55 against South Africa and claiming 11 wickets across the competition, the second-most by any bowler in the tournament.

Sana was direct about what the camp needed to address.

"These matches have helped us on that front, and the difference will be visible. It is very important to stay calm in pressure situations rather than pressing the panic button. We have told the girls to stay calm in the crunch moments, stay in control, trust their hard work and execute the plans," she said.

Pakistan have reached the Women's Asia Cup final twice, in 2012 and 2016, losing to India on both occasions. In the two editions immediately before 2026, they were knocked out at the semi-final stage.

Pakistan Women full squad for Women's Asia Cup 2026

Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Sadaf Shamas, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar