The United Arab Emirates have announced their squad for the ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2026, with experienced all-rounder Esha Oza set to captain the side as UAE prepare for one of the biggest tournaments in Asian associate women’s cricket.
Scheduled to take place in Malaysia from June 1 to June 13, the ACC Women’s Premier Cup will bring together 16 teams from across Asia in a competition designed to strengthen opportunities and exposure for emerging women’s cricket nations. It is organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and hosted by the Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA). UAE have been drawn in Group B alongside China, Oman and Saudi Arabia. On paper, the Emiratis enter the tournament as one of the stronger teams in the pool, carrying a settled core and encouraging recent performances.
The side recently showed promise during the Asia Cup Rising Stars competition, securing victories in two of their three matches, including positive performances against strong opposition. That momentum now shifts towards Malaysia, where UAE will aim to establish themselves among the leading associate women’s teams in Asia.
UAE Squad for ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2026:
Esha Oza (C), Theertha Satish, Katie Thompson, Vaishnave Mahesh, Suraksha Kotte, Samaira Dharnidharka, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Rinitha Rajith, Lavanya Keny, Mehul Pranav Kulkarni, Simran Sheth, Al Maseera Jahangir, Sashikala Silva
Leading the charge is Oza, who remains one of the standout figures in associate women’s cricket. The captain’s contributions extend beyond leadership, with her performances over the last year highlighting why she continues to be central to UAE’s ambitions. Across T20Is over the previous 12 months, Oza scored 538 runs in 15 innings at an average of 44.83 while also contributing 18 wickets with her off-spin, numbers that underline her value as one of the competition’s premier all-rounders. During the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, Oza top scored in the tournament with 200 runs to her name including a century against Nepal.
Alongside her stands wicketkeeper-batter Theertha Satish, another key pillar of UAE’s batting group. Satish has built a reputation as one of the team’s most dependable run-scorers and enters the tournament after accumulating 345 T20I runs in the past year at an average of 49.28. In ODIs, she also topped UAE’s run charts with 219 runs in eight innings. Samaira Dharnidharka offers further stability. The all-rounder scored 218 T20I runs over the previous year while also contributing 10 wickets, adding important depth to both departments.
UAE’s bowling attack carries significant firepower as well, particularly through spinner Vaishnave Mahesh. The leg-spinner has been among the standout performers in associate women’s cricket, taking 21 wickets across 11 innings over the last year at an exceptional average of 5.76.
For Oza and her side, Malaysia represents more than just another tournament. It offers a platform to showcase the continued growth of UAE women’s cricket and perhaps deliver one of the team’s biggest regional statements yet. The tournament will feature a group-stage and knockout format, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the next round. UAE will focus first on navigating Group B before targeting a deeper run.
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