Group A action continues in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2026 with a contrasting narrative brewing on the points table. Japan Women are riding high in second place, tied at 4 points with the group leaders after winning both of their opening matches, supported by a healthy net run rate of 3.200. In stark contrast, Bahrain Women are languishing in fourth place. They have endured a tough start to their campaign, losing both of their matches so far, leaving them with 0 points and a damaging net run rate of -3.957.
Squads:
Bahrain Women’s Cricket Team
Ishara Madhuwanthi, Nipuni Nadeera, Reema Nazar, Sheetal Hate, Aqsa Tariq, Deepika Rasangika, Reshel Dsouza, Sweeta Corda, Ashwini Govinda, Sadamali Bhakshala, Sana Butt, Eman Shahzadi, Mishal Siraj, Rasika Rodrigo, Sudeshika Ranawaka, Swarna Nunna
Japan Women’s Cricket Team
Erika Oda, Haruna Iwasaki, Seika Sumi, Ahilya Chandel, Mai Yanagida, Shimako Kato, Akari Nishimura, Hinase Goto, Ayumi Fujikawa, Elena Kusuda-Nairn, Erika Toguchi-Quinn, Kurumi Ota, Nonoha Yasumoto
Players to watch out:
Ayaka Kato Stafford
Ayaka Kato Stafford has been a dominant force for Japan, making massive contributions with both bat and ball over her two matches. As a batter, she leads from the front with 126 runs, including a top score of 84 and a half-century, striking at 126.00 with 11 boundaries. With the ball, she has been just as lethal, capturing 5 wickets in 7 overs—including 3 maidens—with a stunning best performance of 4/4 and an economy rate of 1.14.
Tharanga Gajanayake
Representing Bahrain, Tharanga Gajanayake has featured in two matches and batted in both innings to score a total of 25 runs. Her highest individual score so far is 16, and she has fought through 43 deliveries to steady her team’s batting order. Facing tough conditions, she has managed to find the boundary rope 3 times while maintaining an average of 12.50.
Mamta Kaswan
Mamta Kaswan has been an important part of Kuwait’s squad, providing depth and consistency during the tournament’s group stages. While she hasn’t broken into the highest statistical brackets of the run-scoring or wicket-taking leaders, her presence on the field remains crucial for Kuwait’s structural balance. She continues to work hard in her role to help her team build momentum in competitive fixtures.
Deepika Rasangika
Deepika Rasangika has chipped in with the ball for Bahrain, making two appearances and making her presence felt in limited opportunities. She has bowled just 4 deliveries so far but managed to secure a crucial wicket, leaving her with best bowling figures of 1/4. Her brief stint gives her a bowling average and economy rate of 4.00, proving she can strike when called upon.
Pitch:
Expect a track that heavily favors the slower bowlers. Recent match data shows significant assistance for spinners with a sharp turn, alongside some early swing for the pacers. If batters don’t get in early, scoring can become a real grind.
Weather:
It is going to be a humid day (76%) with a high of 31°C and a low of 26°C. Keep an eye on the radar, as scattered thunderstorms are forecasted for both day and night, bringing a 45% chance of rain during daylight hours.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Deepika Rasangika, Reshel Dsouza, Sweeta Corda, Ashwini Govinda, Rasika Rodrigo, Mai Yanagida, Shimako Kato, Ayumi Fujikawa, Elena Kusuda-Nairn, Erika Toguchi-Quinn, Kurumi Ota
Match Details:
Date – June 07, 2026
Time – 11:30 AM IST
Venue – Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on ACC Youtube channel.
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