Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026: Schedule, Format, and Squads
Ten nations compete in Ajman for the 2026 Women's Emerging Nations Trophy title.
1Tournament Overview and Venue
The 2026 Women's Emerging Nations Trophy features ten international teams competing in a T20I format from November 12 to 25. All 30 matches will take place across two specific venues in Ajman: the Seven Districts Ground and the Karwan Cricket Ground. This edition marks a significant expansion from the previous eight-team structure.
2Defending Champions and Competition
Thailand enters the tournament as the defending champion, having secured the inaugural title based on a superior net run rate. The field includes five ICC full members, highlighting the tournament's role in bridging the gap between developing nations and established cricketing powers. Competition remains intense as teams vie for international ranking points.
3New Tournament Format Explained
The tournament has expanded to ten teams, necessitating a new two-group structure. Group A consists of Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and the UAE. Group B features Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe. Each team plays four group-stage matches before the top three from each group advance further.
4Super Six Stage Dynamics
Following the group stage, the top three teams from Group A and Group B will progress to the Super Six phase. In this round, qualifiers face opponents from the opposing group to determine the finalists. This format ensures that teams face diverse playing styles before the final match on November 25.
5Daily Match Schedule Timing
Matches are scheduled in two daily slots to accommodate international broadcasting requirements. Morning fixtures commence at 9:00 AM local time, while afternoon matches begin at 1:15 PM local time. These timings correspond to 10:30 AM and 2:45 PM in Indian Standard Time, and 5:00 AM and 9:15 AM in UK time.
6Key Opening Day Fixtures
The tournament kicks off on November 12 with four matches across the two venues. Sri Lanka faces Ireland and Papua New Guinea plays Scotland in the morning. The afternoon session features Thailand against the Netherlands, while Pakistan takes on Bangladesh. These opening games set the tone for the group stage progression.
7Squad Depth and Leadership
Participating nations have announced their squads, led by experienced captains such as Gaby Lewis for Ireland and Kathryn Bryce for Scotland. Teams like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh bring full-member experience to the competition. Each squad consists of diverse talent aimed at testing depth and preparing players for future major ICC events.
8Strategic Importance of Tournament
This tournament serves as a critical developmental platform for emerging cricket nations to gain high-level T20I experience. By increasing the number of matches and teams, the ICC provides a pathway for players to refine their skills. The final, held at the Karwan Sports Club, will determine the successor to Thailand's title.
Original article: Wisden — Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026: Schedule, Format, and Squads