The stage is almost set for the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, with excitement building among cricket fans as the tournament gets underway on August 28. The prestigious continental competition will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with all matches scheduled to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With several of Asia’s strongest women’s cricket teams ready to battle for supremacy, the tournament promises plenty of high-pressure encounters and memorable performances.
India enter the competition as one of the leading contenders, carrying the confidence of their recent success in the 50-over format. However, the tournament features no shortage of quality opposition, meaning the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will have to maintain its standards throughout the campaign.
Anjum Chopra predicts the winner of Asia Cup
Former India captain and renowned cricket analyst Anjum Chopra has backed India to emerge as champions of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. Speaking in an interaction with Sony Sports Network, Chopra highlighted the confidence within the Indian camp and suggested that the team would be difficult to stop if it performs anywhere close to its best.
Chopra said India would have to play ‘very bad cricket’ on a particular day to lose, underlining just how strongly she rates the current squad. According to her, India’s triumph in the 50-over World Cup has given the players an important boost, even though their campaign at the T20 World Cup did not produce the desired results.
“I feel India will emerge as champions. They will need to play very bad cricket on a particular day to lose. This Indian team is very confident, especially because of their success in the 50-over World Cup. Yes, the T20 World Cup didn’t go to plan, but they’re still one-day champions. But there will always be a challenge,” said Chopra.
The former cricketer, however, was careful not to dismiss India’s rivals. She specifically mentioned Pakistan and Sri Lanka while stressing that no opponent should be underestimated. Sri Lanka, in particular, deserve respect after winning the previous edition of the competition in 2024. Her prediction therefore comes with a clear warning: India may be favourites, but the path to the trophy will not be straightforward.
“I will never take Pakistan, Sri Lanka or any team lightly. Sri Lanka won this championship in 2024 and were outstanding,” added Chopra.
Excitement high as top teams prepare to rumble
The presence of several competitive sides is expected to make the 2026 edition an intriguing contest. India will be among the teams under the spotlight, but Pakistan and hosts Sri Lanka will also have ambitions of going deep into the tournament. Sri Lanka’s title-winning campaign in 2024 showed that the regional balance is not entirely tilted in India’s favour. Their ability to handle pressure and produce decisive performances makes them a genuine threat once the competition begins.
For India, the immediate challenge will be to convert their status as favourites into results on the field. The UAE conditions could also test the adaptability of every team, making bowling discipline, smart batting and strong execution particularly important.
With the countdown almost over, fans will not have to wait much longer for the action to begin. As Chopra’s prediction adds another layer of intrigue, India will enter the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 knowing that expectations are high — and that every match will bring a fresh challenge.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.