Women’s Asian Games 2026 Schedule, Broadcast and Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, Pakistan & other countries

The women’s T20 cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026 is set to begin on September 17 and will continue until September 22, with all the action taking place at Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Cricket returns to the continental multi-sport event for its fourth edition, adding another chapter to the sport’s growing presence across Asia. This year’s women’s tournament brings together eight teams, each aiming to navigate a demanding schedule and finish with a coveted medal.

Knockout format raises the stakes

The 2026 women’s T20 competition will follow a format that differs significantly from previous editions. Instead of beginning with group-stage fixtures, the tournament moves directly into the quarter-finals, meaning teams have no opportunity to recover from a poor start or build momentum through multiple group matches.

Every fixture therefore carries enormous significance. One defeat will bring a team’s campaign to an immediate end, while victory will secure a place in the semi-finals and keep its medal hopes alive. The condensed knockout structure is expected to place additional emphasis on team selection, match-ups, adaptability and decision-making under pressure.

The competition will reach its conclusion on September 22, when the bronze-medal playoff will be followed by the much-anticipated gold-medal contest. With medals on the line, the final day promises to provide a fitting climax to the short but intense tournament.

India aim to defend Asian Games crown

Team India arrives at the tournament as the defending champion and will be among the teams attracting considerable attention. Their squad, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, features a strong blend of established international performers and specialist T20 players like Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, giving them considerable depth across batting, bowling and all-round options.

However, the knockout format means past achievements alone will offer little protection. India will need to produce a strong performance from their opening game if they are to progress through the competition and remain on course for another gold medal.

Several familiar Asian rivals will also have ambitions of challenging for the top prize. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh possess considerable experience in women’s cricket and will be looking to capitalize on the pressure of the knockout stage. Their presence adds another layer of intrigue to a tournament where a single outstanding performance could change the complexion of the competition.

Thailand, Malaysia and Japan look to make their mark

Beyond the established contenders, the tournament also provides an important opportunity for emerging teams to showcase their progress. Thailand and Malaysia will be eager to test themselves against some of Asia’s strongest sides and demonstrate the growth of women’s cricket in their respective countries.

Host nation Japan will also have the opportunity to perform in front of a home audience and create a memorable moment on the continental stage. Competing against experienced international teams will provide Japan with valuable exposure and a chance to measure their development against some of the region’s leading sides.

With every match effectively serving as a do-or-die contest, the 2026 Asian Games women’s T20 tournament is set to offer little margin for error. Tactical decisions, composure in crucial moments and the ability to handle knockout pressure could prove decisive as the eight teams battle for continental honours.

Also READ: PM Narendra Modi reacts as India clinch record eighth Women’s Asia Cup title

Women’s Asian Games 2026, Complete schedule

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

• India: Sony Sports Network; SonyLIV
• Pakistan: PTV Sports
• Japan: TBS Television
• Hong Kong: i-CABLE and HOY TV
• MENA Countries: beIN Sports

Also READ: List of Player of the Match winners in Women’s Asia Cup finals ft. Shafali Verma

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.