The hosts, United Arab Emirates, led by skipper Esha Oza, were up against the tournament debutants, Indonesia, led by skipper Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini, in the 8th match of the ongoing 6th edition of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 on 4th September 2026, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Both sides made some changes; Kisi Kasse replaced Dara A Laksmi Paramitha in the side for Indonesia, while Archara Supriya replaced Athige Silva and Janani Thirukkumaran replaced Indhuja Nandakumar in the starting 11 for the home side.
The UAE skipper Esha Oza won the toss and opted to bowl first. The off-spinner Suraksha Kotte landed a double blow, providing the home side with a dream start by dismissing Maria Corazon and Ni Luh Dewi in the first couple of balls in the innings. Skipper Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini joined Rahmawati Pangestuti at the crease, and the duo stitched a crucial 15-run stand for the 3rd wicket. Skipper Esha Oza broke the stand by sending Rahmawati Pangestuti (2 off 7 balls) back to the pavilion in the 4th over of the innings, providing the 3rd breakthrough for her side.
Indonesia were soon reduced to 23/4 in the 7th over of the innings. Desi Wulandari joined skipper Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini at the crease, and the pair stitched a much-needed 32-run stand for the 5th wicket, which took them past the 50-run mark. Skipper Esa Oza got the better of her opposite number, Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini (39 off 52 balls), to provide the massive 5th breakthrough for the home side.
The United Arab Emirates spinners were relentless in their lines and lengths, not allowing the Indonesian batters to set them up. Indonesia were eventually bundled out for 71, with a couple of balls to spare. Desi Wulandari (10 off 28 balls) was the only other batter to enter the double digits with the bat for the tournament debutants.
Suraksha Kotte (4-1-16-3), skipper Esha Oza (4-0-11-2), Heena Hotchandani (4-0-6-2), Vaishnave Mahesh (2.4-0-18-2) and Samaira Dharnidharka (3-0-12-1) were the top performers with the ball for the United Arab Emirates.
Chasing a small total of 72, the UAE openers, wicketkeeper-batter Theertha Satish (11 off 12 balls) and skipper Esha Oza, got their side off to a steady start with a 17-run opening stand. Sang Maypriani broke the stand by sending the wicket-keeper batter Theertha Satish back to the pavilion in the 5th over of the innings to provide the 1st breakthrough for Indonesia.
Rinitha Rajith joined skipper Esha Oza at the crease, and the duo stitched a vital 45-run stand for the 2nd wicket to take them on the brink of a win. Ni Kadek Ariani got the big scalp of the opposition skipper Esha Oza (30 off 29 balls) in the 11th over of the innings to provide the massive first breakthrough for her side.
The home side eventually got over the line with 6 wickets in hand and 41 balls to spare, registering their first win of the tournament. Rinitha Rajith (22 off 24 balls) played her part with the bat for her side. Ni Kadek Ariani (4-0-10-1), Sang Maypriani (3-0-17-1) and Sofia Velic (3.1-0-25-2) were the wicket-takers with the ball for Indonesia.
Skipper Esha Oza was awarded the Player of the Match for her impressive all-round show, returning with match figures of (4-0-11-2) with the ball and scoring 30 (29 balls) with the bat for her side, playing a crucial role in guiding her side over the line.
Loves all things female cricket