The morning at Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok set the stage for a remarkable display of bowling and a composed batting performance. United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women comfortably chased down a modest total to secure a 7-wicket victory over Tanzania Women in Match 17 of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025. The match quickly revealed itself to be one-sided, with the disciplined efforts of the UAE’s bowlers and batters ensuring a straightforward finish.
Tanzania started their innings on shaky ground and struggled to recover from early setbacks. After being put into bat, their top order collapsed, with Fatuma Kibasu falling victim to a lbw for just 1 run. Soon after, Saum Mtae offered a brief flicker of resistance, scoring 6 off 8 balls, before she too was dismissed. The third wicket fell almost as quickly; Hudaa Omary went out without scoring.
A glimmer of stability appeared with Captain Neema Pius and Nasra Nassoro Saidi putting together a small partnership, but it was short-lived. Pius managed a patient 10 off 18 balls while Saidi added only 4. After Pius, wickets continued to fall rapidly, with the tail offering little support. Perice Kamunya salvaged a modest 6 runs, while Sophia Jerome contributed 4, leaving Tanzania all out for a mere 46 runs in 16.5 overs, at a run rate of just 2.73. This score highlighted the extent of the UAE’s dominance with the ball.
UAE’s bowling was impressive, particularly Vaishnave Mahesh, who delivered an outstanding performance with figures of 3 wickets for just 7 runs in 4 overs, a spell that stifled the Tanzania batters completely. Suraksha Kotte supported her well, claiming 2 wickets for 10 runs in her 4 overs. Michelle Botha added to the pressure with 1 for 7 in 3 overs, while Heena Hotchandani took another wicket. Overs from Esha Oza and Athige Silva kept the run-rate under control, ensuring that none of the Tanzanian batters could find their rhythm.
Chasing down the modest target, UAE’s innings began confidently, with captain Esha Oza leading the charge. She struck 28 runs off just 16 balls, including five boundaries that set the tone for the chase. Theertha Satish, the wicketkeeper, helped maintain the momentum, finishing unbeaten on 12 off 13 balls, which ensured there were no late hiccups. The run chase progressed smoothly, with the team reaching 50 runs in just 7.1 overs, wrapping up the match with more than half the available overs to spare.
Although the Tanzanian bowlers struggled to take wickets, a couple of them attempted to spark a fightback. Perice Kamunya did well by removing Esha Oza, showcasing some resilience on a tough day. Jenifer Kimaro also got in on the act, dismissing Rinitha Rajith, but ultimately, the challenge proved too great. The pitch didn’t favour the batters, and UAE’s openers demonstrated the adaptability needed for success.
While Tanzania will lament their top-order collapse and inability to post a defendable total, UAE Women, under the leadership of Esha Oza and backed by a formidable bowling attack led by Vaishnave Mahesh, will celebrate the execution of their game plan. This emphatic 7-wicket victory not only underlines their aim in the Emerging Nations Trophy but also boosts their confidence as they strive to secure a spot in the knockout stages.
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