As the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 kicks off in Bangkok, the buzz around the Terdthai Cricket Ground is unmistakable. While this tournament is designed to showcase “A” teams and emerging talent, one question dominates every conversation: can anyone actually stop India? Entering as defending champions, the Indian side isn’t just a participant; they are the benchmark for excellence in Asian cricket.
The reason India stands so far ahead of the pack isn’t just about raw talent—it’s about the massive machine backing them. The BCCI has provided resources into the women’s game, and the results are showing. With the recent success of the WPL 2026 (Women’s Premier League), these “Rising Stars” aren’t really beginners; they are battle-hardened professionals who have already shared dressing rooms with the best in the world. When you have a captain like Radha Yadav leading the charge—someone with a World Cup winner’s medal around her neck—it sends a clear message that India isn’t here to experiment; they are here to dominate.
Beyond the big names, India’s real strength lies in their terrifying depth. While other teams might rely on one or two star performers, the Indian lineup is packed with “finishers” and “anchors” all the way down to number eight. Players like Minnu Mani and Vrinda Dinesh have the kind of domestic experience that most international players in this tournament would envy. Their ability to stay calm under pressure and stick to a clinical game plan makes them incredibly difficult to break down over 20 overs.
However, if there’s a team that can rattle the cages, it’s Bangladesh A. They pushed India to the limit in the final of the inaugural edition in 2023, and they haven’t forgotten that loss. Led by the experienced Fahima Khatun, the Bangladeshi side brings a spin-heavy attack that thrives on the slower tracks typically found in Thailand. They play a gritty, disciplined style of cricket and have a knack for defending low totals. If they can get their batting to click, they are the most likely candidates to pull off an upset in the knockout stages.
The other dark horse to keep an eye on is Sri Lanka A. Sri Lankan women’s cricket is currently riding a wave of momentum, and that confidence has trickled down to their emerging squad. Under Anushka Sanjeewani’s leadership, they play a brand of fearless cricket that can be very disruptive. They possess a few explosive hitters who can take the game away in the powerplay, and if they catch India on a slightly “off” day, their aggressive approach might just pay dividends.
Ultimately, while Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have the tools to make things interesting, the 2026 title remains India’s to lose. The sheer gap in professional infrastructure and match-readiness gives the Indian women a massive head start. They don’t just win because they are talented; they win because they are better prepared for the grind of a tournament format. Expect some fireworks and a few close calls, but don’t be surprised if the trophy heads back to India once again.
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