The ACC Women’s T20I Premier Cup 2026 features 18 associate teams split across four groups, all competing in Malaysia from June 3 to June 13.
Defending champions UAE return to defend the trophy, while Japan and Philippines mark their debut at this event.
Notably, the top four semi-finalists secure direct qualification for the 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup. Here is the complete group-wise team breakdown.
ACC Women’s T20I Premier Cup 2026 Snapshot
Before the team profiles, here are the key details that frame the 2nd edition of the ACC Women’s Premier Cup.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Edition | 2nd |
| Host | Malaysia |
| Dates | 3 – 13 June 2026 |
| Format | T20I (group round-robin + knockout) |
| Total teams | 18 |
| Total matches | 38 |
| Defending champions | United Arab Emirates |
| Qualification reward | Top 4 advance to 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup |
ACC Women’s T20I Premier Cup 2026: All 18 Teams
The 18 sides are spread across four groups. Specifically, Group A and Group B carry five teams each, while Group C and Group D feature four teams each. Furthermore, Japan and Philippines are first-time participants in this tournament.
| Group A (5) | Group B (5) | Group C (4) | Group D (4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | China | Indonesia | Bhutan |
| Japan | Oman | Kuwait | Hong Kong |
| Mongolia | Philippines | Malaysia | Nepal |
| Myanmar | Saudi Arabia | Singapore | Qatar |
| Thailand | United Arab Emirates | — | — |
Group A Teams
Group A packs Thailand against four developing sides. Notably, Thailand were unbeaten in their 2024 group, while Japan returns after debuting at the previous edition.
Thailand
Thailand are Group A favourites and a clear semi-final pick. Furthermore, they entered as 2024 semi-finalists and went unbeaten through the league stage two years ago. Captain Naruemol Chaiwai leads a side built around the experienced Natthakan Chantam and pacer Nattaya Boochatham.
Japan
Japan return as a developing Group A outfit and look to build on a steady 2024 showing. Additionally, Japan finished second in Group B in 2024 with two wins. Their squad mixes diaspora talent with locally developed players, and head coach support remains via the Japan Cricket Association.
Bahrain
Bahrain enter as one of the spirited associate sides. Specifically, Deepika Rasangika captains the squad, with Sana Butt named vice-captain and wicketkeeper. Moreover, they will look to bounce back after finishing bottom of their group in 2024.
Mongolia
Mongolia are one of the youngest cricket nations in the field. Notably, Sunjidmaa Phillips made her T20I debut in the very first match of this tournament, signalling fresh talent entering the system. Consequently, every wicket they pick up against Thailand or Japan represents a major milestone.
Myanmar
Myanmar are skippered by Theint Soe, who also led the side in 2024. Moreover, they finished third in their group last edition and will aim for a top-two spot to chase the qualification race. Their progress reflects steady grassroots investment.
Group B Teams
Group B is the Group of Death on paper. Indeed, defending champions UAE headline a pool featuring fast-improving China and Saudi Arabia, plus debutants Philippines.
United Arab Emirates (Defending Champions)
UAE are the team to beat. Specifically, they defeated Malaysia by 37 runs in the 2024 final. Captain Esha Oza returns after a record-breaking 2024 campaign that earned her Player of the Series and the tournament’s top run-scorer award (249 runs).
Furthermore, pacer Heena Hotchandani leading wicket-taker in 2024 with 13 scalps partners Esha. The squad also includes Samaira Dharnidharka, Al Maseera Jahangir and Lavanya Keny.
China
China bring quiet improvement to Group B. Furthermore, they finished third in their 2024 group with one win. They also pushed UAE in a recent fixture and remain a side capable of springing a surprise against Oman or Saudi Arabia.
Oman
Oman struggled in 2024, finishing winless in their group. Nevertheless, the side has rebuilt under fresh leadership. Their bowling unit will be tested early against the UAE batters who terrorised attacks two years ago.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia continue their rapid rise as a women’s cricket nation. Specifically, multiple debutants featured in their opening 2026 fixtures, including Laiba Arif and Rizwana Begum. As a result, the squad blends emerging talent with steady graft from the regional development structure.
Philippines
Philippines are tournament debutants at this event. Furthermore, Zoe Isabela Wong made her T20I debut in their opening fixture. Consequently, the side carries no historical baggage and arrives with nothing to lose against more established opposition.
Group C Teams
Group C is compact but competitive. Host nation Malaysia – runners-up in 2024 – headline a four-team pool that includes 2024 group winners Indonesia.
Malaysia (Hosts, 2024 Runners-up)
Hosts Malaysia carry serious expectation. Notably, they were unbeaten through the 2024 league phase before falling to UAE in the final. As a result, home conditions and a settled core make them realistic title contenders again. Their group-stage opener against Kuwait sets the tone.
Indonesia
Indonesia surprised many in 2024 by finishing second in their group with two wins. Furthermore, they post strong net run rates and play fearless cricket. Their clash against Malaysia could decide Group C’s pecking order.
Kuwait
Kuwait are led by Amna Tariq with Suchitha D’Sa keeping wicket. Additionally, they finished second in Group A in 2024 with two wins. Notably, the squad also features Venora D’Souza, Candice Dias and Siobhan Gomez.
Singapore
Singapore round out Group C. Specifically, Shafina Mahesh captained the 2024 side, and the squad continues to develop. Moreover, they did not pick up a win in 2024, so 2026 represents a fresh chance against beatable opposition like Kuwait.
Group D Teams
Group D is arguably the most open pool. Nepal enter as 2024 semi-finalists, but Hong Kong, Bhutan and Qatar all bring genuine threats. Furthermore, all Group D matches at the KTJ Oval add a venue-specific edge.
Nepal (2024 Semi-finalists)
Nepal are the Group D favourites. Captain Indu Barma has scored 1,198+ T20I runs and adds 41 wickets with off-spin. Furthermore, the squad features former skipper Rubina Chhetri and vice-captain Puja Mahato. Notably, Nepal were unbeaten in the 2024 league stage before falling at the semi-final hurdle.
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong, China finished second in Group D in 2024 with two wins. Moreover, the side has played warm-up tri-series recently, including a 31-run win over Malaysia. Consequently, they will fancy challenging Nepal for the group’s top spot.
Bhutan
Bhutan are led by Anju Gurung with Sonam Choden as vice-captain. Additionally, the squad mixes regional-tournament veterans with younger talent like Samjana Mongar, who made her T20I debut at the event. Their group opener was against Hong Kong, China on June 3 at KTJ Oval.
Qatar
Qatar are skippered by Aysha (from the 2024 squad) and finished third in their 2024 group. Furthermore, debutant Roshni Sebastian featured for them in 2026, adding fresh depth to the batting unit.
Top Title Contenders
On current form, four teams stand above the rest. Specifically, UAE, Malaysia, Thailand and Nepal were the only sides unbeaten through the 2024 league phase. Consequently, the same four are favourites to claim the four 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup qualification spots on offer.
| Team | Group | 2024 Result | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | B | Champions | Esha Oza (c) |
| Malaysia | C | Runners-up | Host advantage |
| Thailand | A | Semi-finalists | Naruemol Chaiwai (c) |
| Nepal | D | Semi-finalists | Indu Barma (c) |
Debutants to Watch
Two associate sides make their ACC Women’s Premier Cup debut in 2026. Specifically, Japan and Philippines replace teams from the 2024 lineup and expand the field from 16 to 18
Furthermore, both nations bring squads with fresh T20I caps, including Zoe Isabela Wong (Philippines) on debut. Consequently, watching how they handle group-stage pressure offers a real glimpse into Asia’s expanding women’s cricket map.
Conclusion: 18 Teams Competing for Women’s T20 Asia Cup Qualification
The ACC Women’s T20I Premier Cup 2026 brings together a record 18 teams, balancing established names like UAE, Malaysia, Thailand and Nepal with rising sides such as Japan, Philippines and Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, the prize – four 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup qualification spots guarantees fierce competition across all four groups. Consequently, every match at Kuala Lumpur’s grounds matters, especially for emerging teams chasing a continental stage. Honestly, if you only follow elite cricket, you are about to discover Asia’s next wave.
