In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s cricket, individual brilliance often catalyses global recognition and inspiration. Esha Oza, the dynamic batter from the United Arab Emirates, has etched her name in the history books by becoming the player with the most centuries in Women’s T20 Internationals.
In a format that demands both aggression and consistency, Oza’s record-breaking feat, four centuries in just 93 matches, stands as a testament to her exceptional talent, relentless work ethic, and composure under pressure. Surpassing renowned names such as Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu and Tanzania’s Fatuma Kibasu, Oza’s achievement transcends borders, shining a spotlight on the rising standards and growing competitiveness of women’s cricket beyond its traditional powerhouses.
Her trailblazing journey not only sets a new benchmark for aspiring cricketers worldwide but also celebrates the spirit of the game, where records are meant to be broken and new legends forged.
Esha Oza is currently leading the United Arab Emirates in the ongoing edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, in Thailand. She smashed the Qatar bowlers all around the park en route to her record-breaking 4th T20I century. Her knock included 14 boundaries and five maximums in her knock. What followed next was historic: the whole United Arab Emirates batting unit, with as many as 10 batters, declared themselves retired out, as they felt their total of 192 in 16 overs was good enough to win the game against Qatar.
However, the bigger concern was the looming rain threat, which prompted the skipper and the side to take that call. UAE sealed the game by 163 runs, and skipper Esha Oza was awarded the Player of the Match.
The UAE skipper, Esha Oza, notched up her 3rd century in the T20I format on 11th February 2024 in the 10th game of the ACC Women’s Premier Cup against Oman when she scored an unbeaten 114* (69 balls), and she was also awarded the Player of the Match.
She scored her 2nd century in the T20I format on 22nd July 2022, against Qatar, in the ACC Women’s T20 Championship. She scored 115 (67 balls), playing a pivotal role in helping her side seal the game by 153 runs, and was also awarded the Player of the Match for her impactful performance for her side.
She notched up her maiden century in the format on 26th March 2022, in the 15th match of the GCC Women’s Twenty20 Championship Cup. She stayed unbeaten on 158* (71 balls), which is also her career-best performance with the bat for her side in the format to date.
Most Centuries in Women’s T20Is:
Esha Oza (United Arab Emirates): 4
Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka): 3
Fatuma Kibasu (Tanzania): 3
Prosscovia Alako (Uganda): 2
Rebecca Blake (Romania): 3
Esha Oza’s record as the top century-maker in Women’s T20 Internationals marks a significant milestone not just for her but for women’s cricket worldwide. Her success highlights the rising talent from associate nations and challenges traditional cricket powerhouses. Oza’s consistency and skill inspire aspiring cricketers, proving that passion and dedication can break barriers and set new standards.
As women’s cricket continues to grow in competitiveness and popularity, her achievement signals a promising future for the sport, showcasing that talent knows no boundaries and that new legends will continue to emerge from all corners of the cricketing world.
Loves all things female cricket