The ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 fixture at Ajman witnessed a stellar display of all-round cricket as Ireland Women locked horns with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women in the 6th Match, Group A encounter on November 13, 2026. Setting up a contest defined by tactical discipline and fierce batting partnerships, the Irish side managed to outclass their opponents across both innings to seal a resounding victory.
Gaby Lewis Leads Ireland’s Batting Charge with 71
The match began with Ireland Women taking first strike. The innings started cautiously before opening up through a phenomenal foundational partnership. Amy Hunter and captain Gaby Lewis put together a brilliant opening stand of 102 runs that dictated the flow of the game. Amy Hunter played a steady knock of 29 runs from 27 balls featuring 3 boundaries before being run out by Janani Thirukkumaran and Theertha Satish. Gaby Lewis continued her aggressive onslaught, anchoring the innings with a blistering 71 off just 40 deliveries, studded with 12 fours and a six, before falling to Indhuja Nandakumar.
Following the opening partnership, the middle order chipped in to keep the scoreboard ticking. A brief partnership between Gaby Lewis and Lara Maritz added crucial runs, and later Lara Maritz combined well with Louise Little and Laura Delany. Lara Maritz contributed a brisk 29 off 23 balls (3 fours) before being caught by Esha Oza off Janani Thirukkumaran. Louise Little chipped in with 7 runs, while experienced campaigner Laura Delany played a valuable knock of 18 runs from 16 balls before being run out by Theertha Satish. Towards the end, Alana Dalzell (11* off 7) and Abbi Harrison (2* off 1) provided a quickfire cameo, pushing Ireland Women to a competitive total of 171/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
UAE’s bowling attack saw contributions from Indhuja Nandakumar, who picked up 1 wicket for 22 runs in her 3 overs, and Janani Thirukkumaran, who was pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets for 20 runs in 4 overs. Meanwhile, Suraksha Kotte (0/11 in 1 over), Samaira Dharnidharka (0/30 in 3 overs), Heena Hotchandani (0/29 in 3 overs), Esha Oza (0/37 in 4 overs), and Simran Sheth (0/19 in 2 overs) toiled hard through the innings.
UAE’s Top Order Crumbles Under Irish Bowling Pressure
Chasing a target of 172, UAE Women suffered a catastrophic start as their top order collapsed under immense pressure. Opening bowler Jane Maguire struck early, removing Theertha Satish for 2 runs. Aimee Maguire then landed a double blow in the second over, dismissing Heena Hotchandani (5) via a stumping by Amy Hunter and trapping Rinitha Rajith lbw for a duck. UAE plunged into deep trouble at 8/3 as wickets tumbled rapidly.
Captain Esha Oza tried to steady the ship, fighting a lone battle with a gritty knock of 51 runs from 45 balls (5 fours, 1 six), during which she tried to stitch together small recovery partnerships. However, regular breakthroughs kept denting UAE’s momentum. Samaira Dharnidharka contributed 18 runs from 19 balls, and Janani Thirukkumaran added 13 runs from 21 balls, but the required run rate climbed steeply. Further resistance came from Mehul Kulkarni (6), Athige Silva (6*), Indhuja Nandakumar (2), and Suraksha Kotte (1*), as UAE Women were restricted to 110/8 in their 20 overs.
The Irish bowling unit delivered a masterclass in defense, backed by excellent field placement and tight lines. Jane Maguire led the bowling charts with economical figures of 2/23 in 4 overs. Aimee Maguire matched her spell with 2/23 in 4 overs, which included a maiden and 5 wides. Cara Murray also spun a web around the batters, claiming 2 wickets for 21 runs in 4 overs. Louise Little chipped in with 1/24 in 4 overs, and Lara McBride picked up 1/19 in her tidy 4-over spell. Ultimately, Ireland Women’s disciplined bowling attack ensured a comfortable 61-run triumph, sealing a memorable team performance.
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