The UAE women’s cricket team recently achieved a significant milestone by winning the ICC Associate Member Women’s Performance of the Year award for their exceptional performance in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The team secured important victories over hosts, Qatar, and Bahrain, followed by a semifinal triumph against Hong Kong. In the final match against a formidable Thailand team, the UAE secured a thrilling six-run victory with the help of Kavisha Egodage’s stellar performance.
Their success in the Asia Qualifier propelled them to the global qualifier earlier in 2024, where the team continued to impress by reaching the semifinal stage. Under the leadership of Esha Oza, the team showcased exceptional skills and determination, ultimately losing to the experienced Sri Lankan team in a closely contested match at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium. Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary of Emirates Cricket Board, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments, emphasizing the efforts put into developing women’s cricket in the UAE.
He highlighted the team’s unbeaten run in the Asia Qualifiers, crediting the hard work and training the players receive in the country’s facilities for their success. Usmani commended their resilience against more experienced international teams and acknowledged their significant progress in recent tournaments. The UAE team’s performance in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi showcased their potential, as they fought fiercely against Sri Lanka in the semifinal, coming close to qualifying for the prestigious Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Emirates Cricket Board remains committed to investing in the development of women’s cricket across the country, aiming to further elevate the team’s performance on the global stage. Currently, the UAE team is in Sri Lanka to participate in the Women’s Asia Cup, facing tough opponents like Nepal, India, and Pakistan in their Group A fixtures. Group B features hosts Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Malaysia, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals.
The upcoming matches in the Women’s Asia Cup will provide the UAE team with valuable experience and exposure, as they continue to make strides in the world of women’s cricket. Their recent accolades and competitive spirit indicate a promising future for UAE women’s cricket, as they aim to make their mark on the international stage and inspire upcoming generations of female cricketing talent in the region. The team’s dedication and determination serve as a testament to the growth and potential of women’s cricket in the UAE, setting a solid foundation for future success in the sport.
