AJMAN: The ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 gets under way in Ajman, UAE, today, November 12, with 10 teams including Pakistan competing for the title.
A total of 30 T20 International matches will be played in the tournament, which runs until November 25. Pakistan will begin their campaign against Bangladesh today.
According to the ICC schedule, all matches will be played at the Kaavan Sports Club Cricket Ground and the Seven Districts Sports Club in Ajman.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh Opener
The opening match between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played at 1:15pm today at the Kaavan Cricket Ground. Pakistan will be led by Muneeba Ali, with Ayesha Zafar as vice-captain.
Pakistan are in Group B with Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe.
The national side will face Thailand on November 13, the Netherlands on November 15 and Zimbabwe on November 16.
Group A includes hosts UAE, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland and Papua New Guinea. The UAE, led by Esha Oza, will play their first match against Ireland on November 13.
Tournament Format and Schedule
For the first time, five Full Member and five Associate Member teams are taking part, with the number of teams increased from eight to ten compared to the previous edition.
The group stage will continue until November 18, after which the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage.
Super Six matches will be held on November 20, 22 and 23, while the final will be played on November 25 at the Kaavan Sports Club Cricket Ground.
Thailand are the defending champions, having won the inaugural edition on home soil in 2025.
ICC General Manager Events and Operations Gaurav Saxena said the expansion aims to give women cricketers more international opportunities and develop emerging teams.
The Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 is being seen as a boost for women’s cricket in the UAE and a key opportunity for Pakistani players to prove themselves on the international stage.