Bangkok During their encounter against Qatar in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers 2025 on Saturday at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) women’s cricket team made an uncommon move. The whole UAE lineup retired out to manage time after dominating with the bat, ultimately winning the match by an overwhelming 163 runs.
UAE skipper Esha Rohit Oza and opener Theertha Satish gave his squad a strong start by batting first. In only 16 overs, the pair put established a partnership of 192 runs. Satish provided strong assistance with a 42-ball 74 that included 11 boundaries, while Oza hammered 113 off 55 balls with 14 fours and five sixes.
Given the possibility of rain and the T20 Internationals’ ban on declarations, the UAE took a calculated move. As soon as they arrived, each batter padded up, stepped to the crease, and retired out. This made it possible for the UAE to finish their innings swiftly and bowl before the game was interrupted by bad weather. It was a novel tactic that was permitted under T20I regulations.
The result was unaffected by the unconventional action. Qatar’s batting lineup was easily defeated by UAE bowlers, who dismissed them for only 29 runs in 11.1 overs. Michelle Botha, a left-arm spinner, spearheaded the bowling assault with figures of 3 for 11. Esha, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, and Vaishnave Mahesh each claimed one wicket, while Katie Thompson got two.
Esha won Player of the Match for her overall effort. In addition to her century, her final bowling stats were 1 over, 1 run, and 1 wicket.
With four points and a solid net run rate of +6.998, the UAE took the lead in the points table after their victory. In their first game, they had defeated Malaysia by nine wickets. On May 13, the UAE will play Malaysia once again at the same location in Bangkok.
This phase of the qualifications included nine teams in total, split into three groups of three teams each. The overall champion advances to the next round, while the top three teams from each group go to the Super Three round.
