UAE women’s cricketer set for ODI history

0 Jenny September 25, 2025

ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The UAE women’s cricket team is set to make history on Friday when they start their journey into the one-day international format with their tour of Zimbabwe. The Esha Oza-led team will play 50-over matches for the first time in their history; the four-match series will be played in Bulawayo until October 2.

UAE were awarded ODI Status by the ICC in May this year after an impressive T20I series which helped them break into the top 15 teams and earn the right to play the 50-over format. All four series matches will start at 9.15am local time. The ODIs will be played on alternate days.

There are also two Twenty20 matches on October 5 and 6. Former UAE bowler Ahmed Reza will be the coach.

“The entire squad is looking forward to making history this week. We have worked very hard to be here and earn the ICC ODI Status,” Oza said. “Since coming here, we have acclimatised well and got a good start as we won the practice game against a High Performance team [from Zimbabwe].

“Our preparation has been excellent in the leadup to this series as we had an extensive camp in Dubai which helped us both select a solid 17-player squad and work on our strategies for the series. We have also worked hard on the mental and physical fitness aspects for the demands of the 50-over format. We can’t wait for the series to begin with the first ball to be bowled tomorrow.”

Subhan Ahmad, the Emirates Cricket Board Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is a truly historic moment for UAE cricket ... after years of hard work, dedication, and investment in women’s cricket. The players have done remarkably well in T20Is and have well and truly earned their ICC ODI Status.”

The squad: Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige and Vaishnave Mahesh.