Overcoming World Cup Heartbreak, UAE Girls Shine in Tri-Series Victory
In a stirring display of resilience and determination, the UAE women’s cricket team has redeemed themselves with a memorable triumph in Namibia, showcasing their growth and potential on the international stage. This victory comes on the heels of a heart-wrenching defeat in the Global Qualifiers for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where they fell just short of securing a place in the prestigious tournament.
A Heartbreaking Near Miss
Four months ago, the UAE women’s cricket team was on the brink of making history. In the semifinal of the Global Qualifiers, they faced a daunting challenge against the experienced Sri Lankan team. Chasing a target of 150, the UAE seemed on course for victory at 104 for two in the 15th over. However, a dramatic collapse led to a 15-run defeat, dashing their hopes of qualifying for the 2024 T20 World Cup, which the UAE will host starting October 3. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow, considering the team’s progress from having no formal women’s cricket structure just 15 years ago to being on the cusp of World Cup participation.
A Triumphant Turnaround
Undeterred by the setback, the UAE team, led by captain Esha Oza, turned their fortunes around with a stellar performance in a recent tri-series held in Windhoek. Competing against higher-ranked teams Zimbabwe and Namibia, the UAE emerged victorious, winning five out of six matches. This triumph marked the biggest title in their history and a significant step forward for the team.
Wicketkeeper-batter Theertha Satish, who was instrumental in the series with 245 runs, acknowledged that while the pain of their earlier defeat still lingers, it has provided a new direction for their cricketing journey. “The pain (of losing to Sri Lanka) will always be there, but it gave us direction on how we want to play our cricket and take our game forward,” Satish reflected. This newfound purpose has been evident in their recent performances.
A Stellar Performance
The UAE’s campaign in Namibia began with a solid victory over the hosts, Namibia, by seven wickets. Despite a narrow defeat to Zimbabwe in a last-over thriller, the team rallied to secure four consecutive wins, culminating in their series victory. Skipper Esha Oza contributed significantly with 209 runs and eight wickets, and praised her team’s effort. “It was a great series for us. We finally achieved what we set out to do—winning the tournament by beating two more experienced sides,” Oza said.
Building for the Future
Head coach Ahmed Raza, a former left-arm spinner who previously led the UAE men’s team to the 2022 T20 World Cup, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. “Winning away from home in different conditions is always special, and beating a full member team on our way to lifting the trophy was a testament to the hard work of our players,” Raza said. With an eye on future goals, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, Raza is focused on developing a fearless and competitive team. “Our major goal is qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup,” he added.
Satish echoed the coach’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and strong performances in each tournament. “The (2026) World Cup is a goal, but we also have the qualifiers for the Asia Cup. We want to go through match by match and get stronger with each game,” Satish concluded.
A New Chapter
The UAE women’s cricket team’s victory in Namibia represents more than just a title; it symbolizes a new chapter in their cricketing journey. As they continue to build on their success and aim for future tournaments, the team’s resilience and dedication are set to inspire and elevate UAE cricket to new heights.
