In a low-scoring but action-packed encounter in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2026 at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval, Bangi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women produced a disciplined all-round performance to defeat China Women by 18 runs in the five-over contest. The victory was built on a crucial middle-order contribution from captain Esha Oza and a sharp bowling display led by Heena Hotchandani, who was later named Player of the Match. The result further strengthened UAE Women’s position in the tournament and highlighted their ability to handle pressure in shortened formats.
After being asked to bat first, UAE Women faced an early setback when opener Theertha Satish looked to attack from the outset. She struck a boundary during her brisk 7 off 5 balls but was dismissed in the final ball of the opening over by Ma Ruike, leaving UAE at 8/1. Despite the breakthrough, captain Esha Oza immediately took charge of the innings and ensured the momentum remained with her side. Partnering with Heena Hotchandani, Oza steadied the innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate. The pair added a valuable 28-run partnership for the second wicket, the most significant stand of the innings. Oza mixed caution with aggression, finding the boundary twice and remaining unbeaten on 29 from 18 deliveries at an impressive strike rate of 161.11.
Hotchandani contributed 6 runs from 7 balls before a sharp run-out by Wang Huiying ended her stay at the crease with the score at 36/2. UAE’s running between the wickets continued to be tested, and another run-out saw Samaira Dharidharka depart without facing a ball. Nevertheless, Oza remained calm at the crease alongside Rinitha Rajith, guiding UAE through the final overs. The innings concluded at 47/3 in five overs, with extras contributing 5 runs. For China Women, Ma Ruike was the standout bowler, claiming 1/16 from her two overs and removing Theertha Satish. Mingyue Zhu bowled economically and conceded only 9 runs in her over, while Chen Xinyu and Zhao Yihan picked up tidy spells, giving away 11 and 8 runs respectively.
Chasing a target of 48, China Women required a positive start but lost captain Mingyue Zhu almost immediately. Zhu struck two boundaries in her rapid 9 off just 4 balls, but Suraksha Kotte provided the first breakthrough when she dismissed the skipper with the score on 11 in the opening over. Wang Huiying and Cai Yuzhi then attempted to rebuild the innings, putting together a 7-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Heena Hotchandani turned the match decisively in UAE’s favour by removing Cai Yuzhi for 4, leaving China at 18/2.
The pressure continued to mount as Ma Ruike joined Wang Huiying at the crease. The pair added another 4 runs before Hotchandani struck again, dismissing Ma Ruike for 1. At 22/3 after just over three overs, China Women needed a strong finish, but UAE’s bowlers never allowed them to settle. Chen Xinyu was trapped by Hotchandani for a duck, reducing the chase to 22/4. Wang Huiying fought hard from one end, remaining unbeaten on 8 from 10 deliveries, but wickets continued to tumble around her. Jiaping Li scored 4 before being caught by Theertha Satish off Vaishnave Mahesh, while Gong Yuting remained unbeaten on 1. China Women eventually closed on 29/5 from their allotted five overs, falling 18 runs short of the target.
UAE’s bowling unit delivered an outstanding collective effort. Heena Hotchandani was the chief destroyer with remarkable figures of 3/8 from her two overs, consistently breaking partnerships and controlling the scoring rate. Vaishnave Mahesh complemented her brilliantly with 1/8 from two overs, while Suraksha Kotte struck early and finished with 1/13 from her solitary over. Their disciplined lines ensured China Women never built a meaningful partnership after the opening wicket.
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