The UAE Women's Cricket Team kept their Asia Cup campaign on track with a six-wicket win over Indonesia at Dubai International Stadium. The result means the hosts still have a shot at reaching the semi-finals, with their next match now a must-win.
After losing their opener to defending champions Sri Lanka, the UAE needed a response. They delivered, led by Esha Oza, whose experience and steady batting helped guide the team to their first win of the tournament. According to ESPN, Oza top-scored for the UAE with 30 runs. The bowlers also stepped up: Velic took 2 for 25, Kotte claimed 3 for 16, Hotchandani finished with 2 for 6, and Oza added 2 for 11. Together, they held Indonesia to just 73 runs.
"Indonesia's Sakarini was the top scorer of the match with 39 runs, but her efforts could not prevent Indonesia from being bowled out for 73."
- ESPN
The UAE are in Group B with Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. With Sri Lanka already beating the UAE, this win over Indonesia was essential to keep their qualification hopes alive. The focus now shifts to the upcoming match against Bangladesh, set for Tuesday, 8 September. That game will decide if the UAE can claim one of the two semi-final spots from their group. As ESPN reported, the win over Indonesia "kept their semi-final hopes alive" after the pressure of the opening defeat.
Hosting the 2026 Women's Asia Cup in Dubai is a major step for the UAE. It gives local players a chance to compete at a high level and lets fans see top Asian teams play at home. The event also highlights the UAE's growing reputation as a venue for international cricket, thanks to its facilities and experience hosting big tournaments.
For the UAE Women's Cricket Team, the situation is clear: beat Bangladesh to advance, or exit in the group stage. The team has momentum after this win, and if they can repeat their focus and discipline, they have a real chance to make an impact in front of a home crowd. The next match will show whether UAE women's cricket can take the next step-not just as hosts, but as contenders.
"Bangladesh had already beaten Indonesia earlier in the group stage, making the upcoming UAE vs Bangladesh fixture a direct qualification battle for the semi-finals. Group B also features Sri Lanka, adding to the competitive intensity of the group stage. The UAE vs Bangladesh match is scheduled for 8 September 2026 in Dubai, a fixture that will likely decide the fate of both teams in the tournament."
- ESPN and Mid-Day
