Post by : Bianca
Haleem
In a stunning start to the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) delivered a historic performance, defeating India A by seven wickets at the Terdthai Cricket Ground. This win marks a major statement from the UAE team against one of the tournament favorites.
UAE captain Esha Oza starred with an unbeaten 72 off 61 balls, guiding her team through a tense chase of 131 runs. Oza’s calm yet aggressive batting kept the UAE in control, even during the final over when Radha Yadav dismissed Rinitha Rajith with just four runs remaining. Heena Hotchandani struck a boundary on the second ball to seal victory with four balls to spare.
Oza shared a decisive 71-run partnership with Samaira Dharnidharka, which stabilized the innings and maintained a manageable required run rate. The UAE’s batting depth, supported by an opening stand of 40 runs between Oza and Theertha Satish, ensured smooth progress despite brief resistance from India A.
Earlier, India A struggled to build momentum after opting to bat. UAE pacer Samaira Dharnidharka took three crucial wickets in the PowerPlay, dismantling the top order and setting the tone for the match. Anushka Sharma, carrying her strong form from the Women’s Premier League, scored a resilient 47 off 45 balls, while Tanuja Kanwer contributed a quick 34 off 25 deliveries to push India A to 130/9.
The UAE’s win highlights the rise of smaller cricketing nations challenging established teams. Both sides will face important matches on February 15, with the UAE taking on Nepal and India A aiming for a comeback against Pakistan A.
Match Summary:
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India A: 130/9 (20 overs) – Anushka Sharma 47, Tanuja Kanwer 34
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UAE: 134/3 (19.2 overs) – Esha Oza 72*
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Top Bowler: Samaira Dharnidharka 3 wickets
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Result: UAE won by 7 wickets
English
