In the 10th match of the GCC Women’s Twenty20 Championship Cup 2025 at Al Amerat on December 16, Qatar Women clinched a commanding 48-run victory over Bahrain Women. Their performance was marked by effective batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding, creating a narrative of steady progress throughout the match.
Qatar Women started their innings with a clear intent to build a solid foundation on a pitch that rewarded patience. Christena Jacob was instrumental at the top of the order, scoring 25 runs off 30 balls. She kept the scoreboard ticking while effectively rotating the strike. Although her partnership with Shrutiben Rana was short-lived, Rana fell for just 3 runs off 10 balls, Jacob ensured Qatar reached a stable position at 68/2 before her dismissal in the 10th over.
The innings gained momentum when captain Aysha stepped in. She showcased her leadership with a powerful knock of 41 runs off only 25 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and achieving a strike rate of 164.00. Aysha quickly built a 19-run partnership with Jacob and then formed a crucial alliance with Getrude Chandiru, who chipped in with a solid 25 runs off 26 balls. This partnership shifted the game’s momentum, taking Qatar from 68/2 to 87/3 and putting Bahrain’s bowlers under pressure.
After Aysha’s dismissal at 87/3 in the 13th over, Qatar’s innings faced a brief hiccup with two quick run-outs, first Shahreen Bahadur without scoring, followed by Getrude Chandiru at 117/5. Yet, Krishneta Sarvanakumar (9 runs off 14 balls), Khadija Imtiaz (12 runs off 10 balls), and Maria Jacob (3 runs off 3 balls) helped Qatar finish strong. Including 20 extras, they closed their innings at a competitive 138/6.
Bahrain’s bowlers fought hard in defence of that score. Pavithra Shetty was the standout performer, finishing with impressive figures of 1/18 from 4 overs. Tharanga Gajanayake also impressed with 1/16, while Sadamali Bhakshala and Sudeshiaka Ranawaka took a wicket each, though inconsistency and extras marred their efforts during critical moments.
Chasing a target of 139 runs, Bahrain Women struggled to find their footing. Early wickets were costly, with Tharanga Gajanayake dismissed for 6 and captain Deepika Rasangika for 7, leaving them at 22/2. Rasika Rodrigo attempted a counterattack with a quick 14 runs off 10 balls, but her run-out at 48/3 stunted any chance of recovery. Sweetta Corda’s brief presence with 11 runs couldn’t stem the tide as wickets continued to tumble.
Bahrain’s middle order faltered, slipping from 50/5 to 67/7 under the relentless pressure applied by Qatar’s bowlers. Roheed Akhtar was especially effective, taking 2 wickets for just 14 runs, while Getrude Chandiru supported her with 2/12. Maria Jacob (1/12) and Shahreen Bahadur (1/26) also contributed, making it difficult for any batter to settle in.
Despite the collapse, Pavithra Shetty fought hard to remain unbeaten on 21 runs off 31 balls but received little support from her teammates. Bahrain was ultimately bowled out for 90 in just 19 overs, well short of their target.
Overall, Qatar Women delivered a comprehensive performance. Aysha’s outstanding effort, scoring 41 runs and taking 1 wicket, earned her the Player of the Match award. Qatar’s collective batting partnerships and disciplined bowling highlighted their growing strength in the GCC Women’s T20 Championship Cup 2025. Meanwhile, Bahrain will have to reflect on missed opportunities and the crucial need to build partnerships with both bat and ball.
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