Nepal national women’s cricket team qualified for the 2024 Women’s T20 Asia Cup after the Asian Cricket Council on Tuesday announced the expansion of the tournament to eight teams—one more than the previous edition in 2022.

Nepal had earlier missed out on the Asia Cup after losing their ACC Women’s Premier Cup semi-final match against Malaysia by four wickets at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur in February.

But the addition of one more slot in the tournament allowed Nepal to enter as semi-finalists.

“The Women's T20I Asia Cup 2024 underscores the ACC's commitment to promoting women's cricket in the region,” ACC President Jay Shah stated on ACC’s website while announcing the schedule of Women’s T20 Asia Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from July 19 to July 28.

“We are excited to see the increased participation and competitiveness among the teams, reflecting the growing popularity and importance of women's cricket. This expansion, from six teams in 2018 to seven in 2022, and now eight, is a testament to our commitment to the women’s game and the burgeoning talent pool in Asian cricket. We anticipate an exciting tournament that will inspire both players and fans.”

It will be Nepal’s third appearance at the biennial competition after previously participating in 2012 in China and 2016 in Thailand.

Nepal have been drawn alongside record seven-time champions India, Pakistan and Premier Cup winners the United Arab Emirates in Group A.

Group B includes 2018 winners Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Premier Cup semi-finalists Thailand.

Nepal will begin their campaign against Pakistan on July 19 before facing the UAE on July 21 and powerhouse India on July 23.