In a highly unusual move during the Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers 2025, United Arab Emirates (UAE) team retired out their entire batting lineup in their match against Qatar. The bizarre scenes unfolded on Saturday, May 10, at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok.
UAE retire out entire team in Women's T20 World Cup qualifier match against Qatar
Having won the toss and elected to bat first, UAE began their innings strongly. Openers Theertha Satish and captain Esha Rohit Oza built a formidable partnership, adding 192 runs for the first wicket within 16 overs and putting significant pressure on the Qatar bowlers.
However, the match took an unexpected turn when the UAE management, anticipating potential rain interruptions, decided to retire out their remaining batters. As declarations are not permitted in T20 International cricket, each subsequent player went to the crease and immediately retired themselves out upon reaching the pitch.
The high score posted by the UAE proved more than sufficient, as they ultimately notched up a massive 163-run win over Qatar. The UAE bowlers were clinical, dismissing their opponents for just 29 runs in 11.1 overs.
The foundation of the UAE's dominant total was laid by their openers. Skipper Esha Oza led from the front with an exceptional century, scoring 113 runs off just 55 deliveries, including 14 boundaries and five sixes. Her opening partner, Theertha Satish, provided solid support with a valuable knock of 74 runs from 42 balls, featuring 11 fours. Esha Oza's impressive performance also earned her the Player of the Match award, complemented by figures of 1-0-1-1 with the ball. In the bowling department, left-arm spinner Michelle Botha was particularly impressive, claiming three wickets for 11 runs from her four overs. Support came from Katie Thompson, who picked up two wickets, while Esha Oza, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, and Vaishnave Mahesh each contributed with a wicket apiece to complete the rout. The commanding win propelled the UAE to the top of the tournament standings. With two wins from two matches, they have pocketed four points and boast a robust NRR of +6.998. The UAE's next fixture will see them face Malaysia again on May 13th, scheduled to take place at the same venue in Bangkok.