KATHMANDU, July 19: The ACC Women’s Asia Cup cricket tournament is set to begin this Friday, with Nepal pitched against the UAE in their opening match.

The Nepali team arrived in Sri Lanka three weeks ago to prepare for the tournament, engaging in three practice matches. According to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the team's preparation included two losses and one victory.

Nepal secured its spot in the tournament based on their performance in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup held in Malaysia last February.

The competition, running from July 19 to 28, features eight teams divided into two groups. Nepal is placed in Group A alongside the UAE, as well as Test-playing nations India and Pakistan. Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The tournament format includes 12 group stage matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 28.

Indu Barma leads Nepal’s Women’s Asia Cup team, supported by former captain Rubina Chhetri and key players such as Sita Ranamagar, Bindu Rawal, Kabita Kunwar, Puja Mahato, Kabita Joshi, Yakkan Khadka, Kajol Shrestha, Sabnam Rai, Rajamati Airi, Mamata Chaudhary, Kritika Marasini, Roma Thapa, and Dolly Bhatta, according to CAN.

 
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