The 1st match of Group A in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Star 2026 sees Nepal Women take on Pakistan A Women at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on February 13, with an early 8:00 AM IST start set to place immediate emphasis on smart new-ball bowling and batters who can adjust as the surface slows through the innings.
With the Terdthai surface offering true bounce early before gradually losing pace, both captains are likely to prioritize a strong powerplay, especially with the bat. Nepal will look to lean on their experienced all-rounders to build a stable base, while Pakistan A are expected to rely on their depth in spin and disciplined medium pace to squeeze runs once the ball softens. Strike rotation and shot selection in the middle overs could ultimately separate the two sides.
Squads
Nepal Women:
Puja Mahato (captain), Suman Bista, Rubina Chhetry, Kabita Joshi, Anu Kadayat, Seemana KC, Samjhana Khadka, Kabita Kunwar, Sita Rana Magar, Rubi Poddar (wicketkeeper), Bindu Rawal, Riya Sharma, Kajal Shrestha (wicketkeeper), Roma Thapa, Manisha Upadhaya.
Pakistan A Women:
Hafsa Khalid (captain), Waheeda Akhtar, Yusra Amir (wicketkeeper), Lubna Behram, Syeda Masooma Jafri, Komal Khan (wicketkeeper), Neha Sharmin Nadeem, Eman Naseer, Anosha Nasir, Momina Riasat, Gull Rukh, Huraina Sajjad, Omaima Sohail, Noreen Yaqoob, Shawaal Zulfiqar.
Players to watch
Puja Mahato (Nepal)
The Nepal skipper remains the side’s most influential all-rounder. A right hand batter and right arm medium bowler, Mahato has featured in 46 WT20Is, scoring 613 runs at a strike rate of 83 with three half centuries, while also claiming 30 wickets. Her best bowling figure of 3/2 highlights her knack for making decisive breakthroughs, and her leadership at the top will be crucial in setting the tone early.
Kabita Joshi (Nepal)
Kabita Joshi adds balance and control to Nepal. The right hand batter and right arm off-break bowler has played 58 WT20Is, scoring 294 runs and taking 22 wickets while maintaining an excellent economy rate of 5.21. As the pitch slows, her off spin could become a vital weapon in choking the middle overs.
Omaima Sohail (Pakistan A)
One of Pakistan A’s most seasoned campaigners, Omaima Sohail brings proven match winning ability. The right arm off-spinner has taken 18 wickets in 55 WT20Is, including a superb best of 5/13, and has also scored 481 runs at a strike rate of 84. Her ability to influence the game with both bat and ball makes her a central figure in Pakistan A’s plans.
Waheeda Akhtar (Pakistan A)
Waheeda Akhtar is an emerging option who could thrive in Bangkok conditions. In six WT20Is, the right hand batter and right arm medium bowler has taken five wickets, with best figures of 2/20. Her discipline with the new ball and ability to vary pace later in the innings may prove crucial against Nepal’s batting lineup.
Pitch Report
The Terdthai Cricket Ground offers a turf wicket with consistent bounce early on, giving medium pacers and new ball quicks some carry while allowing top-order batters to trust the bounce and play their strokes once set. As the innings progresses, the pitch generally slows, the ball grips more, and stroke making becomes tougher, bringing spinners and change of pace seamers firmly into the contest and placing a premium on batters who can rotate strike and bat deep.
Weather Report
Conditions are expected to be warm, with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 33°C. Humidity will hover around 57%, with a 20% chance of precipitation and light winds near 10 km/h. Overall, the forecast suggests minimal interruption, though the heat may test player endurance during the later stages of the match.
Fantasy XI
Puja Mahato, Omaima Sohail, Kabita Joshi, Hafsa Khalid, Rubina Chhetry, Momina Riasat, Waheeda Akhtar, Manisha Upadhaya, Anosha Nasir, Rubi Poddar, Gull Rukh.
Match details
Date: 13 February 2026
Time: 8:00 AM IST
Venue: Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok
Series: Women’s Asia Cup Rising Star 2026 – Group A, 1st Match
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.