The second edition of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 promises a bigger, sharper and more competitive showcase of women’s cricket when it begins in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, on 12 November.
Expanded from eight teams in the inaugural edition to ten, the tournament brings together five ICC Full Members, Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, and five Associates, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and the host, the UAE. The event runs until 25 November, with matches shared between the Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground and Seven Districts Sports Club.
The format has evolved significantly. Instead of the single round-robin group stage used in 2025, the ten sides have been split into two groups of five. Group A features Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and the UAE, while Group B contains Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. The group stage runs from 12 to 18 November, after which the top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six stage.
That Super Six phase, scheduled for 20, 22 and 23 November, will give each qualifier from one group three cross-group fixtures against the qualifiers from the other. The two best teams at the end of those matches will meet in the final on 25 November at the Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground. The revised structure ensures that momentum, adaptability and squad depth matter across two distinct phases rather than rewarding one strong group-stage run alone.
Thailand arrive as the defending champions after winning the inaugural edition. They topped the table with 10 points from seven matches, recording five wins and two defeats. Their title triumph underlined the growing strength of Associate cricket and set a high benchmark for the expanded field. The UAE, Netherlands and Scotland also impressed in 2025, each finishing with 10 points from five victories, demonstrating that the tournament’s competitive middle tier is no longer easily separated from its frontrunners.
The presence of five Full Members adds a compelling new dimension. Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Zimbabwe bring greater international experience, deeper player pools and higher-profile rivalries, but they will face opponents accustomed to challenging established sides. Pakistan and Bangladesh open their campaigns against each other, while the Netherlands meet Thailand in the other afternoon fixture on opening day. Sri Lanka begin against Ireland, with Papua New Guinea taking on Scotland in the morning match.
All Squads:
Group A
Ireland – Gaby Lewis (C), Zara Craig, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Abbi Harrison, Amy Hunter, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara Maritz, Lara McBride, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray
Papua New Guinea – Brenda Tau (C), Pauke Siaka, Tanya Ruma, Dika Lohia, Geua Tom, Hane Tau, Henao Thomas, Hollan Doriga, Kevau Frank, Lakshmi Rajadurai, Naoani Vare, Baruka Vicky, Sibona Jimmy, Kevau Gabe
Scotland – Kathryn Bryce (C), Chloe Abel, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Gabriella Fontenla, Katherine Fraser, Kirstie Gordon, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Hannah Rainey, Nayma Sheikh, Pippa Sproul, Isabella Watson
Sri Lanka – Harshitha Samarawickrama (C), Sanjana Kavindi, Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sathya Sandeepani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Sugandika Kumari, Nimesha Meepage, Malki Madara, Chethana Vimukthi
United Arab Emirates – Esha Oza (C), Heena Hotchandani, Theertha Satish, Maseera Jahangir, Archara Supriya, Sashikala Silva, Indhuja Nandakumar, Janani Thirukkumari, Mehul Kulkarni, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Simran Sheth, Suraksha Kotte, Uttara Iyer
Group B
Bangladesh – Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Shorna Akter, Jannatul Ferdus Sumona, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Dilara Akter, Fahima Khatun, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter, Disha Biswas, Shanjida Akther, Shathi Rani.
Netherlands – Babette de Leede (C), Carlijn van Koolwijk, Caroline de Lange, Frédérique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Heather Siegers, Iris Zwilling, Myrthe van den Raad, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Rosalie Lawrence, Sanya Khurana, Silver Siegers, Sterre Kalis.
Pakistan – Muneeba Ali (C), Ayesha Zafar (VC), Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar
Thailand – Naruemol Chaiwai (C), Nannapat Khoncharoenkai, Natthakan Chantham, Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleeporn Laomi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Thipatcha Putthawong, Phannita Maya, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Nannaphat Chaihan, Naomi Kanokporn Hamilton, Sarnsiree Rosaline Plant.
Zimbabwe – Josephine Nkomo (C), Nomvelo Sibanda, Chipo Mugeri, Modester Mupachikwa, Nyasha Gwanzura, Loryn Phiri, Chiyedza Dhururu, Christina Mutasa, Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Sharne Mayers, Olinder Chare, Michelle Mavunga, Tendai Makusha
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.