UAE skipper Esha Oza displayed an outstanding performance during the Global T20 World Cup Qualifier semifinal against Sri Lanka, where the UAE fought bravely but ultimately lost by 15 runs. Despite the loss, Esha’s all-round brilliance inspired her team and showcased her exceptional skills both with the bat and the ball. Sri Lanka and Scotland secured their spots in the World Cup to be held in Bangladesh later this year, while the UAE missed out on their chance to make their first appearance in the tournament. The match saw Vishmi Gunaratne leading the Lankan side with a score of 149 for six in 20 overs, while Esha and Vaishnave Mahesh excelled with the ball for the UAE.
In response, Esha’s impressive half-century (66 off 44 balls) provided hope for the UAE as she fought valiantly to keep her team in the game. Despite losing early wickets, Esha formed crucial partnerships with Khushi Sharma and Kavisha Egodage, but her dismissal by Udeshika Prabodhani dashed the UAE’s hopes of victory. Nevertheless, this was the UAE’s best performance in a Global World Cup Qualifier, signaling their growth and potential in the international cricket arena. The ICC announced England and South Africa as the opening match for the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup, with the event set to take place in Dhaka and Sylhet from October 3 to 20.
The top teams from the previous edition, along with Pakistan, earned automatic qualification for the tournament, with Sri Lanka and Scotland securing their spots through the Global Qualifier final. The tournament will see Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and a qualifier in Group A, with matches such as India versus Pakistan set to ignite the rivalry between the neighboring nations. On the other hand, Group B will feature South Africa, Bangladesh, England, West Indies, and another qualifier, promising exciting matchups and intense competition throughout the event. ICC CEO Geoff Allardice expressed optimism for the tournament, highlighting the exponential growth of women’s cricket over the past few years.
The upcoming tournament will mark the ninth edition of the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup, with Bangladesh hosting the event for the second time after previously hosting in 2014. The announcement of the fixture list and trophy unveiling in Dhaka set the stage for an exciting and special tournament that is expected to showcase the talent and skill of women cricketers from around the world. The growing popularity and significance of women’s cricket on the global stage reflect the increasing interest and investment in the sport, promising a thrilling and competitive tournament that will captivate fans and audiences worldwide.
