Muneeba Ali to captain Pakistan in ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy

Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali will captain Pakistan's 14-member squad for the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, as international fixtures get underway in the United Arab Emirates.

According to The News Pakistan, the tournament is staged in Ajman and runs from November 12 to 25. Pakistan enters the competition for the first time since its launch in 2025. The side has been drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Thailand, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe. Group A comprises Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and hosts UAE.

Media additions

Regular captain Fatima Sana is absent from the squad because she is in Australia for her maiden Women's Big Bash League season. In her place, batter Ayesha Zafar assumes vice-captaincy duties. Twelve players retain their places from Pakistan's previous assignment, which brought a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan. Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar return following strong domestic performances.

The Pakistan squad will assemble in Lahore on November 6 and will undergo a pre-tournament training camp on November 7, 8 and 9 before departing for the UAE. The 30-match tournament features 10 teams split across two groups. Following a single-league round-robin phase, three teams from each group advance to the Super Six stage to play three matches each. The top two teams from the Super Six stage progress to the final on Wednesday, November 25.

Tournament opener sees Sri Lanka defeat Ireland

While Pakistan prepares to enter the fray, the tournament has already commenced with Group A fixtures in the United Arab Emirates. Aol and BBC report that Ireland suffered a ten-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in their opening game.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first, restricting Ireland to 105-9 from their 20 overs. Amy Hunter served as vice-captain in the absence of Orla Prendergast and scored 21 runs before falling to Sathy Sandeepani. Captain Gaby Lewis managed four runs, while Lara Maritz made her first appearance since 2021, contributing 13 runs before being dismissed by Kavisha Dilhari. Louise Little recorded Ireland's highest individual score with 28 runs before a run-out by Nilakshi de Silva. Laura Delaney added 15 runs, and debutant Abi Harrison finished on 13 not out.

Sri Lanka's chase was anchored by an unbeaten partnership between Vishmi Gunaratne and Hasini Perera, surpassing the target in 13 overs. Gunaratne finished with 53 runs from 37 balls, while Perera matched the tally from 41 balls.

Match Detail	Sri Lanka vs Ireland Opener
Tournament Stage	Group A Opener
Ireland Score	105-9 (20 overs)
Top Irish Scorer	Louise Little (28)
Key Sri Lankan Bowler	Kavisha Dilhari (3-20)
Result	Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets

Pakistan squad and support staff

The full 14-member squad selected by the Pakistan Cricket Board comprises Muneeba Ali Siddiqui as captain and wicketkeeper, Ayesha Zafar as vice-captain, alongside Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza as wicketkeeper, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.

The coaching and support setup includes Wahab Riaz as mentor, Ayesha Ashar as team manager, Abdur Rehman as spin bowling coach, Umaid Asif as fast bowling coach, Abdul Majeed as fielding coach, Imran Farhat as batting coach, Waleed Ahmed as performance analyst, Moeen as strength and conditioning coach, and Dur Samand as physiotherapist.

What to watch next

Group A matches continue as Lloyd Tennant's Ireland side prepares to face the UAE on Friday [05:00 GMT]. Ireland's remaining group fixtures include matches against Papua New Guinea [Monday, 16 November] and Scotland [Wednesday, 18 November] in the group stage. Pakistan will begin their Group B campaign in the coming days as the round-robin stage unfolds toward the Super Six phase.