New Delhi, Aug. 28 -- The 2026 Women's Asia Cup will commence in Dubai on Friday, with eight teams competing in the tournament. The teams have been divided into two groups of four each, and all matches will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Sri Lanka are the tournament's defending champions, having beaten India by eight wickets in the final of the 2024 edition in Dambulla.

India will be once again led by the veteran Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. The Women in Blue will be looking to put up a more improved performance following their disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, where they sustained a group-stage exit after finishing third in Group A with six points.

One key player...