As the cricket world prepares for the 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup, Pakistan are using an unusual training method to prepare for the continental tournament — playing practice matches against a men’s domestic side.
The tournament will take place in Dubai from August 28 to September 13, with Pakistan hoping to finally lift the trophy after finishing runners-up twice.
Pakistan Turn to Men’s Team for Tough Preparation
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana revealed that her team has been playing against a men’s domestic side from the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy in Lahore as part of their preparations.
The matches are designed to expose the players to greater pace, power and pressure ahead of the tournament.
Fatima believes the experience will help Pakistan cope with difficult moments during competitive matches.
“We are well prepared for the tournament,” Fatima said.
She added that playing against boys had put the team under pressure and provided valuable lessons that could help them adapt to the challenges of the Asia Cup.
UAE’s Experience Offers a Strong Example
The idea of women’s teams playing against boys is not new in the region.
Chaya Mughal, a former captain of the UAE women’s cricket team, believes facing stronger and faster opposition can raise the standard of women’s cricket.
Mughal arrived in Dubai in 2010 as a teacher after previously playing domestic cricket in India. She eventually became captain of the UAE national women’s team and is now the UAE Women’s Cricket Development Officer.
According to Mughal, regular practice matches against boys played an important role in the UAE’s rise in international women’s cricket.
How Playing Against Boys Helped UAE
Mughal previously explained that the UAE women’s team often played against Under-16 boys because there were not enough female players available for regular practice matches.
The sessions gave the players exposure to faster bowling and more powerful hitting while helping them gain confidence in match situations.
She said the experience helped the team become more comfortable facing pace bowlers and gave them the confidence required for international competition.
UAE’s Remarkable Rise in Women’s Cricket
The results of that approach have been significant.
The UAE had struggled to establish a women’s cricket ecosystem until around 2010. However, the team eventually qualified for the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup for the first time.
They returned to the tournament in 2024 and have now qualified for the 2026 edition, where they will compete as the host nation.
The Dubai International Stadium has been selected as the venue for the continental tournament.
UAE Stars Gain Valuable Experience
Several current UAE players have benefited from regular exposure to men’s teams, including:
- Esha Oza
- Theertha Satish
- Indhuja Nandakumar
- Samaira Dharnidharka
- Siya Gokhale
- Vaishnave Mahesh
Mughal said playing against boys helped the players understand the demands of facing genuine pace and power.
The stronger bowling and hitting provided a challenging environment that could not always be replicated during practice among themselves.
Pakistan Have a Bigger Goal
While the UAE’s priority has been to develop its women’s cricket structure and compete at major tournaments, Pakistan have a more immediate target — winning the Asia Cup for the first time.
The two-time runners-up have been working to ensure they are ready for the pressure of the tournament.
Fatima believes the practice matches have helped the players understand how to handle pressure during crucial moments.
Staying Calm Under Pressure
For Pakistan, the captain believes mental preparation could be just as important as technical skills.
Fatima said the team has focused on remaining calm during pressure situations instead of panicking.
The players have been encouraged to trust their preparation, remain in control and execute their plans when matches reach their decisive stages.
India-Pakistan Clash on September 5
One of the biggest tests will come when Pakistan face arch-rivals India on September 5.
India are among the leading teams in Asian women’s cricket, making the highly anticipated clash a major test of Pakistan’s preparation and ability to perform under pressure.
The match could provide an early indication of whether Pakistan’s unconventional training strategy has prepared them for the demands of the tournament.
Can the Strategy Deliver Pakistan’s First Title?
The UAE’s success shows how practice matches against boys can help women’s teams develop confidence against pace, power and pressure.
Pakistan now hope to benefit from a similar approach as they chase their first Women’s T20 Asia Cup title.
With the tournament beginning on August 28, the big question is whether lessons learned against the men will help Pakistan stay calm and deliver when the pressure is at its highest.