The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women delivered an impressive performance at the GCC Women’s T20 Championship 2025, in Al Amerat on December 18, 2025, completely dominating Bahrain Women. Under the leadership of their captain, Esha Oza, the UAE side took control right from the start, setting a fast pace that Bahrain was unable to counter throughout the match.
UAE Women’s innings was marked by confidence and skillful shot selection. Esha Oza, the captain, led by example with a spectacular unbeaten century that anchored the innings while keeping the pressure on the Bahrain bowlers. From the very first ball, Oza was aggressive, rotating the strike and then displaying an array of elegant strokes, particularly through the offside and over midwicket.
She found a strong ally in Theertha Satish, and together, they combined aggression with strategic play, making it difficult for the Bahrain bowlers to find their rhythm. During the powerplay, their partnership flourished, with Satish taking on the aggressive role. She raced to 41 runs off just 23 balls, hitting seven boundaries, before a run-out brought her innings to an end.
Even after Satish’s dismissal, Oza continued to lead confidently, shifting gears effortlessly. She reached a remarkable 102 not out off 68 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and a six, showing both power and finesse. Throughout her innings, she maintained composure, ensuring the momentum didn’t falter as the innings progressed.
Support came from Samaira Dhanidharka, who played a thoughtful innings, finishing with 36* runs off 31 balls and joining Oza in an unbroken partnership that kept the scoring rate high. UAE also benefited from 19 extras, including wides and no-balls, compounding Bahrain’s woes, and posted a formidable target of 198 runs for the loss of just one wicket, at an impressive run rate of 9.90.
Bahrain’s chase began poorly with Tharanga Gajanayake dismissed for a duck on the fifth ball, immediately putting them on the back foot. Although Rasika Rodrigo managed to score 4 runs off 5 balls, her dismissal at 12 for 2 in the 3rd over only deepened the troubles. Captain Deepika Rasangika tried to steady the innings, but with only 7 runs off 14 balls, her efforts were not enough, and Bahrain fell to 14 for 3.
The middle order struggled, failing to form any meaningful partnerships as wickets fell regularly. Sana Butt contributed just 2 runs from 17 balls before her dismissal at 21 for 4, and further setbacks saw Poorvaja Jagdeesha and Ishara Suhun dismissed cheaply, reducing Bahrain to 24 for 6 by the 10.2-over mark.
The lower order couldn’t cope under pressure, with Sudeshika Ranawaka and Reshel D’Souza both dismissed for zero. Sadamali Bhakshala managed 8 runs off 16 balls before being dismissed by Samaira Dhanidharka, who also sent back Sudeshika Ranawaka and Reshel D’souza to become the fourth UAE Women bowler to bag a T20I hat-trick and cap off the 157-run win.
UAE’s bowling unit was exceptional, showing discipline and precision throughout the innings. Samaira Dhanidharka led the way with a brilliant spell, picking up 3 wickets for just 7 runs in 2 overs. Athige Silva also performed well, claiming 2 for 6 in 3 overs. At the same time, captain Esha Oza had an impressive outing, finishing with 2 wickets for just 2 runs, including two maiden overs that left Bahrain struggling to score.
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