Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 began in UAE

The ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 got underway on Thursday in the United Arab Emirates, bringing together ten national teams for the second edition of the competition.

Five full ICC members – Ireland, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe – will compete alongside the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and the hosts. The teams are divided into two groups of five, with the top three from each advancing to the Super Six stage.

All matches will take place in Ajman, at the Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground and Seven Districts Sports Club. The group phase runs until 18 November, followed by Super Six fixtures on 20, 22 and 23 November. The top two teams will reach the final, scheduled for 25 November.

Sri Lanka will be captained by Harshitha Samarawickrama, while Nahida Akter leads Bangladesh.

Thailand arrive as defending champions after winning the inaugural 2025 tournament, securing their first ICC trophy.