Pakistan Women Prepare for Asia Cup With T20 Matches Against Men’s Academy Side

The Pakistan women’s cricket team played a series of 20-over practice matches against players from the Abdul Quadir Cricket Academy as a part of its preparations for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026. 

The matches were held during a 10-day training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore from August 16 to 25.  The squad faced younger players and senior male players to replicate a higher-pressure match environment ahead of the tournament in Dubai. 

Captain Fatima Sana led her team in these fixtures to test their decision-making skills and composure against stronger opposition. Pakistan will begin its Asia Cup Championship against Thailand on September 1.

How Playing Men’s Teams Benefits Pakistan Women’s Cricket

The team management opted for full 20-over matches rather than simple practice drills. The academy provided both teenage and senior male players gaving the women’s team a much tougher challenge. 

In a recent press conference in Lahore, Captain Fatima Sana highlighted the value of facing male players during a recent press conference in Lahore. She said the experience of playing against tougher opposition can help the squad make better decisions and remain composed when matches become difficult. 

The Pakistan captain will return to lead the side after missing the team’s recent three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka while playing in The Hundred in England. Pakistan lost that series 2-1 in her absence.

Sana was also among Pakistan’s leading performers at the recent T20 World Cup, taking 11 wickets and finishing as the joint-second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. She also scored an unbeaten 55 against South Africa.

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Why Pakistan Women Played Against Men’s Academy Side

In recent months, the Pakistan women’s cricket team struggled to maintain composure during close matches. They won only one out of five matches at the recent T20 World Cup, beating only the Netherlands. 

Furthermore, ten years have passed since Pakistan last reached the Asia Cup final, after Sri Lanka beat them in the last semi-final. In order to better prepare the players, the team designed this pre-tournament camp. The coaches and selectors designed the Lahore camp specifically to address chronic mental collapses in high- pressure matches.

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Captain Fatima Sana Explains the Teams Plan

Captain Fatima Sana believes the training matches have successfully addressed these weaknesses. She explained that major tournaments always highlight a team’s ability to handle stress. Therefore, she focused on teaching her players how to control their emotions.

“We needed to understand how to handle the pressure better,” Sana said after the training matches ended. She added, “These matches have helped us on that front, and the difference will be visible.” Specifically, Sana warned her players against making rushed decisions when matches get tough. She said, “It is very important to stay calm in pressure situations rather than pressing the panic button.”

Consequently, Sana wants the players to trust their skills during the upcoming matches in Dubai. She has instructed the team to rely on their hard work and execute their pre-planned strategies. Additionally, Sana emphasized that modern cricket requires excellence in all departments, especially fielding. 

READ MORE: Dubai to Host Women’s Asia Cup From August 28, India-Pakistan Clash on September 5

Pakistan Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 Schedule

The Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 begins in Dubai on 28 August and ends on 13 September. The tournament draw placed Pakistan in Group A alongside India, Thailand, and Hong Kong. The organisers scheduled all matches for 7:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

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