For the men's team, see United Arab Emirates national cricket team.
The United Arab Emirates women's national cricket team, an entity of considerable ambition and evolving capability, operates under the discerning eye of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). While perhaps not yet a titan on the global stage, their journey from humble beginnings to a recognized force in international women's cricket is, if nothing else, persistent.
United Arab Emirates Association Emirates Cricket Board
Personnel Captain: Esha Oza Coach: Ahmed Raza
International Cricket Council (ICC) Standing ICC status: Associate member (since 1990) Initially, they held the status of an Affiliate member (from 1989), a stepping stone on their path to more significant recognition within the global cricket community. ICC region: Asia
• ICC Rankings One might track these numbers with a detached air, yet they do reflect a certain trajectory, however circuitous. Current: [1] Best-ever ODI: 15th (as of 31 October 2025) Best-ever T20I: 14th (as of 11 October 2018)
International cricket Milestones First international match: Against Bangladesh at Johor, Malaysia; 11 July 2007. A debut, for better or worse, that certainly left an impression.
One Day Internationals (ODIs) First ODI: Against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo; 28 September 2025. A relatively recent foray into the longer format. Last ODI: Against Papua New Guinea at Amini Park, Port Moresby; 19 October 2025.
• ODIs Performance Played: Total [2] 8 Won/Lost: 4/4 (0 ties, 0 no results) This year [3]: 8 matches played, 4 won, 4 lost (0 ties, 0 no results). A perfectly balanced, if unremarkable, performance.
T20 Internationals (T20Is) First T20I: Against Netherlands at Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht; 7 July 2018. The format where they have truly found their footing, or at least, spent the most time. Last T20I: Against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo; 6 October 2025.
• T20Is Performance Played: Total [4] 101 Won/Lost: 61/37 (1 tie, 2 no results) This year [5]: 9 matches played, 6 won, 3 lost (0 ties, 0 no results). A more respectable showing, indicating a preference for brevity.
T20 World Cup Qualifier Appearances 3 appearances (first in 2018). Best result: Semi-finals (2024). Almost, but not quite.
ODI & T20I kit
(Image of kit would be here, if applicable)
As of 19 October 2025
The United Arab Emirates women's national cricket team, often referred to simply as the UAE women's team, serves as the primary representative for the nation in the realm of international women's cricket. The team's operations and strategic direction are meticulously overseen and managed by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), the governing body for cricket within the UAE. This oversight ensures that the team adheres to international standards and regulations while fostering the development of women's cricket within the region.
History
The team's official international debut, a rather understated affair, occurred at the 2007 ACC Women's Tournament hosted in Malaysia. [6] This inaugural outing was, to put it mildly, a challenging introduction to the rigours of international competition. The team conspicuously failed to secure a single victory, losing all three of its scheduled matches. The opening fixture, a clash against their counterparts from Bangladesh, proved particularly stark. The UAE side was famously dismissed for a paltry total of nine runs, a performance so swift and decisive that the entire match concluded within a mere hour. [7] One might almost admire the efficiency of such an unceremonious exit.
The composition of this pioneering squad was, by contemporary standards, rather unconventional. Reports from the time indicated that the team comprised a mix of "mothers and daughters" [8], suggesting a nascent cricketing infrastructure where familial connections played a significant role in team formation. Adding to the unique narrative, the captain of this fledgling squad, Natasha Cherriath, was remarkably only 12 years old [9]. This fact alone speaks volumes about the early stage of women's cricket development in the UAE, highlighting both the youthful talent being nurtured and the broader challenges of assembling a competitive team. Despite the on-field struggles, the team did benefit from experienced guidance. Their coach for the tournament was Smitha Harikrishna, a former player who had represented India in Women's One Day International (ODI) cricket. Furthermore, another ex-India international, Pramila Bhatt, contributed her expertise during a pre-tournament training camp [10], offering invaluable insights to the developing players.
The team's fortunes began to show a glimmer of improvement at the 2009 ACC Women's Twenty20 Championship. It was here that the UAE women's team finally registered their maiden international victory, a significant milestone, by defeating Oman with a margin of 49 runs. This initial success was followed by another win against Kuwait, allowing them to conclude the group stage in a respectable fourth position within their six-team group. Their tournament concluded with a play-off victory over Iran, securing a 7th place finish overall out of 12 participating teams [11]. This marked a clear progression from their debut tournament.
Continuing their development, the team participated in the 2011 ACC Women's Twenty20 Championship, where they managed to secure two victories, ultimately finishing in 9th place out of 10 teams [12]. However, the 2013 ACC Women's Championship in Thailand proved to be another challenging outing; the team struggled to find a winning formula and failed to clinch a single game, placing 10th out of 11 teams, only managing to finish above Kuwait [13]. Despite these inconsistencies, the UAE women demonstrated a stronger performance in regional competitions, notably winning both editions of the Gulf Cricket Council (GCC) Women's Twenty20 Championship. These victories occurred in Oman in 2014 and in Qatar in 2015 [14], signalling their dominance within the immediate Gulf cricketing landscape.
A notable event in June 2016 saw two prominent teams from Australia's Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), specifically the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder, undertake a training camp in the UAE. This visit wasn't merely for training; it included a Twenty20 exhibition match held at the impressive Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Dubai. In a gesture of collaboration and development, three players from the UAE national team – Natasha Michael, Chaya Mughal, and Esha Oza – were invited to join the Australian sides, stepping in for injured players [15][16]. This provided invaluable exposure and experience for the Emirati cricketers, allowing them to compete alongside and learn from some of the world's best.
A pivotal moment for women's cricket globally, and consequently for the UAE team, arrived in April 2018. The International Cricket Council (ICC) made the significant decision to grant full Women's Twenty20 International (WT20I) status to all its member nations. This meant that, effective from 1 July 2018, every Twenty20 match played between the United Arab Emirates and any other international side would officially be recognized as a full WT20I [17]. This elevation in status provided a clear framework for international competition and record-keeping, legitimizing the efforts of teams like the UAE.
Looking towards future global tournaments, the UAE was subsequently included in the regional group for the 2021 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, a competitive pool featuring seven other teams vying for a coveted spot in the main World Cup event [18]. This inclusion underscored their growing presence and competitive potential within the Asian cricketing region.
In May 2025, another significant announcement from the ICC further elevated the standing of the UAE women's team. They were named as one of five women's national sides to be granted full Women's One Day International (ODI) status [19]. This development marked a crucial step in their journey, opening doors to more extensive bilateral series and participation in ODI-format tournaments. The other nations receiving this enhanced status alongside the UAE were Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, and Thailand [20], highlighting a broader initiative by the ICC to expand the reach and depth of women's ODI cricket.
Tournament history
One might observe the following records and draw their own conclusions about the team's relentless, if sometimes frustrating, pursuit of global recognition.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier
The qualification pathway to the global stage is a gauntlet, and the UAE has had its share of attempts.
| Year | Qualification | Position | GP | W | L | T | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2015 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2018 | DNQ | 7th | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2022 | DNQ | 7th | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | DNQ | 4th | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| Total | 3/7 | 0 Titles | 11 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier
Success in regional qualifiers has been a more consistent narrative, demonstrating their strength within Asia.
| Year | Round | Position | GP | W | L | T | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Qualified | 2nd | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | Do Not Qualified | 3rd | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Qualified | Champion | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Qualified | Champion | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | DNQ | 3/9 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 5/5 | 2 Titles | 27 | 19 | 6 | 0 | 3 |
ODI World Cup
The pinnacle of the 50-over format, a stage the UAE women's team has yet to grace. One day, perhaps, they'll find their way there.
| Year | Round | Position | GP | W | L | T | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 1978 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 1982 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 1988 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 1993 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 1997 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2000 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2005 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2009 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2013 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2017 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2022 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2025 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| Total | 0/12 | 0 Titles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
T20 World Cup
Another global aspiration, yet to be realized. The journey to the main event is often more arduous than the event itself.
| Year | Round | Position | GP | W | L | T | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2010 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2012 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2014 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2016 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2018 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2020 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2023 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2024 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| Total | 0/8 | 0 Titles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Asia Cup
A regional tournament that has offered both challenges and opportunities for the UAE side.
| Year | Round | Position | GP | W | L | T | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Did not enter (ODI format) | ||||||
| 2005–06 | Did not enter | ||||||
| 2006 | Did not enter | ||||||
| 2008 | Did not enter | ||||||
| 2012 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2016 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2018 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 2022 | Round robin | 6th | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | Round robin | 7th | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2/9 | — | 9 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
Premier Cup
A more recent addition to their trophy cabinet, indicating a certain regional prowess.
| Year | Round | Position | GP | W | L | T | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Champion | 1/16 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1/1 | 1 Titles | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Records
The numbers, for those who appreciate such things, offer a dispassionate summary of their efforts.
International Match Summary [21][22]
Last updated 19 October 2025
Playing record
| Format | M | W | L | T | NR | Inaugural Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Day Internationals | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 26 September 2025 |
| Twenty20 Internationals | 101 | 61 | 37 | 1 | 2 | 7 July 2018 |
One Day International
The ODI format, a relatively fresh chapter in their international journey, has seen a balanced start.
ODI record versus other nations [22]
Records complete to WODI #1508. Last updated 19 October 2025.
| Opponent | M | W | L | T | NR | First match | First win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICC Full members | |||||||
| Zimbabwe | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 26 September 2025 | 26 September 2025 |
| ICC Associate members | |||||||
| Papua New Guinea | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 October 2025 | 13 October 2025 |
Twenty20 International
In the fast-paced world of T20Is, the UAE has certainly made its mark, demonstrating a capacity for explosive performances.
-
Highest team total: A rather impressive 253/1 against Bahrain on 26 March 2022 at Oman Cricket Academy Ground Turf 2, Muscat. [23] One might say they weren't holding back.
-
Highest individual innings: A monumental 158* by Esha Oza against Bahrain on 26 March 2022 at Oman Cricket Academy Ground Turf 2, Muscat. [24] A performance that single-handedly redefined 'dominance'.
-
Best innings bowling: A devastating 5/3 by Chamani Seneviratne against Kuwait on 19 February 2019 during the 2019 ICC Women's Qualifier Asia at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground, Bangkok. [25] A truly clinical display of bowling prowess.
Most T20I runs for UAE Women [26]
Some individuals have, predictably, risen above the rest to consistently put runs on the board.
| Player | Runs | Average | Career span |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esha Oza | 2,689 | 31.63 | 2018–2025 |
| Theertha Satish | 1,959 | 31.59 | 2021–2025 |
| Kavisha Egodage | 1,947 | 33.56 | 2018–2024 |
| Chaya Mughal | 602 | 13.37 | 2018–2023 |
| Khushi Sharma | 450 | 11.84 | 2021–2024 |
Most T20I wickets for UAE Women [27]
And, of course, those who specialize in bringing down the opposition, one wicket at a time.
| Player | Wickets | Average | Career span |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaishnave Mahesh | 94 | 12.90 | 2018–2025 |
| Esha Oza | 70 | 16.14 | 2018–2025 |
| Khushi Sharma | 48 | 16.02 | 2021–2024 |
| Samaira Dharnidharka | 46 | 15.54 | 2019–2025 |
| Chaya Mughal | 46 | 18.30 | 2018–2023 |
T20I record versus other nations [22]
Records complete to WT20I #2528. Last updated 6 October 2025.
A comprehensive look at their encounters, revealing patterns of dominance and, occasionally, less-than-stellar performances.
| Opponent | M | W | L | T | NR | First match | First win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICC Full members | |||||||
| Bangladesh | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 10 July 2018 | |
| India | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 October 2022 | |
| Ireland | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 25 April 2024 | |
| Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 October 2022 | |
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 October 2022 | |
| Zimbabwe | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 September 2022 | 21 September 2022 |
| ICC Associate members | |||||||
| Bahrain | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 March 2022 | 26 March 2022 |
| Bhutan | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 November 2021 | 25 November 2021 |
| China | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 January 2019 | 13 January 2019 |
| Hong Kong | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 18 February 2019 | 18 February 2019 |
| Indonesia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 January 2019 | 19 January 2019 |
| Japan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 February 2024 | 13 February 2024 |
| Kenya | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 April 2023 | 18 April 2023 |
| Kuwait | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 February 2019 | 19 February 2019 |
| Malaysia | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 January 2019 | 15 January 2019 |
| Namibia | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 27 April 2023 | 26 September 2023 |
| Nepal | 6 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 14 January 2019 | 28 November 2021 |
| Netherlands | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 July 2018 | 7 July 2018 |
| Oman | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 22 March 2022 | 22 March 2022 |
| Papua New Guinea | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 July 2018 | |
| Qatar | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 March 2022 | 20 March 2022 |
| Rwanda | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 April 2023 | 21 April 2023 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 March 2022 | 24 March 2022 |
| Scotland | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 23 September 2022 | |
| Singapore | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 June 2022 | 18 June 2022 |
| Tanzania | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 19 April 2023 | |
| Thailand | 10 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 12 July 2018 | 9 September 2023 |
| Uganda | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 20 April 2023 | 25 April 2023 |
| United States | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 13 September 2022 | 25 September 2022 |
| Vanuatu | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 May 2024 | 3 May 2024 |
Current squad
Updated on 5 May 2024
This roster lists the players who were deemed fit and capable enough to be named in the squad for the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier.
| Name | Age | Batting style | Bowling style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batters | ||||
| Kavisha Egodage | 22 | Right-handed | Right-arm off break | |
| Rinitha Rajith | 19 | Right-handed | Right-arm medium | |
| Lavanya Keny | 18 | Right-handed | Right arm off break | |
| Avanee Patil | 18 | Right-handed | Right-arm medium | |
| All-rounders | ||||
| Esha Oza | 27 | Right-handed | Right-arm off break | Captain |
| Khushi Sharma | 23 | Right-handed | Right-arm medium | |
| Wicket-keeper | ||||
| Theertha Satish | 21 | Left-handed | ||
| Spin Bowlers | ||||
| Vaishnave Mahesh | 18 | Right-handed | Right-arm leg break | |
| Suraksha Kotte | 22 | Right-handed | Right-arm off break | |
| Heena Hotchandani | 25 | Left-handed | Slow left-arm orthodox | |
| Mehak Thakur | 24 | Right-handed | Right-arm off break | |
| Al Maseera Jahangir | 17 | Right-handed | Right-arm off break | |
| Pace Bowlers | ||||
| Samaira Dharnidharka | 18 | Right-handed | Right-arm Fast | |
| Siya Gokhale | 20 | Right-handed | Right-arm medium | |
| Indhuja Nandakumar | 19 | Right-handed | Right-arm medium |