The Women’s Asia Cup 2024 is all set to kickstart from 19th July 2024 as UAE lock horns with Nepal at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. We can expect a lot of thrilling and high-voltage action in the 9th edition of the tournament.
India have won the tournament on 7 occasions and always extend their unparallelled dominance and authority in Asia. They are the defending champions and would once again come into the tournament as firm favourites.
Some big names in the form of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana makes India’s side, extremely formidable and potent. The likes of Sri Lanka women and Pakistan women would be keen on matching up to the prowess of the Blue Tigresses of India.
In this article, we take a look at the top 5 players to watch out for in the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2024:
1. Harmanpreet Kaur (India)
India’s dynamic and astute leader in the form of Harmanpreet Kaur will be one of the vital cogs in the Indian cricket team in the tournament. She is the leading run-getter among Indians in this format and has mustered 3344 runs with a highest score of 103 runs.
Kaur would be looking to shepherd her troops in the right direction and would be looking for some amazing memories in this tournament.
2. Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)
One of the best players in the world, Sri Lanka’s sensation, Chamari Athapaththu, will be a key member to watch out for in the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2024. In her country, she is the leading run-scorer in T20Is and has 3022 runs under her belt.
If she gets into the groove, then Sri Lanka women would be in a dominant and commanding position.
3. Sidra Ameen (Pakistan)
In the 2022 edition of the Women’s Asia Cup, Sidra Amin had scored 158 runs and had finished as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer. The 32-year-old cricketer has 893 runs under her belt and has 4 fifties.
Ameen had scored 46 runs in 3 games in the Pakistan tour of England T20I series in May 2024.
4. Rumana Ahmed (Bangladesh)
In 2022, Rumana Ahmed was in scintillating form and had bagged 10 wickets at a stupendous average of 5.80. She is one of Bangladesh’s finest bowlers and a lot of responsibilities will be resting on her shoulders.
The 33-year-old cricketer has played 84 T20Is and has 75 wickets under her belt. She is vastly experienced and is well-equipped to handle the high-pressure situations in this tournament.
5. Smriti Mandhana (India)
Swashbuckling Indian batter Smriti Mandhana is another key player to watch out for. She has the ability to play some big knocks and has an attacking intent right throughout her game. Alongside Shafali Varma, Mandhana forms a great opening pair and has the ability to pack a punch at the top.
Mandhana has played 136 T20Is for India and has 3320 runs under her belt. She recently smashed a knock of 149 runs against South Africa women in a one-off Test at Chennai.
Also read: Abhinav Mukund Gives Massive Statement About Sanju Samson
