Group B has reached a critical stage in the Women’s Twenty20 (T20) Asia Cup 2026, making this clash vital for both sides. Bangladesh currently occupy second place with 2 points and a healthy net run rate of +1.677 from two outings. UAE sit right behind them in third position, also on 2 points from two games, but holding a lower NRR of -0.854. With Sri Lanka comfortably leading the table with three wins, this fixture serves as a virtual knockout where a victory guarantees the winning side a spot in the semi-finals alongside the group leaders.
Squads:
United Arab Emirates Women’s Cricket Team
Esha Oza (C), Archara Supriya, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Heena Hotchandani, Lavanya Keny, Suraksha Kotte, Mehul Kulkarni, Indhuja Nandakumar, Rinitha Rajith, Athige Silva, Theertha Satish, Janani Thirukkumaran, Uttara Iyer, Vaishnave Mahesh
Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team
Nigar Sultana (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Dilara Akter, Fahima Khatun, Farjana Easmin, Juairiya Ferdous, Marufa Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Sarmin Sultana, Sharmin Akhter, Shorna Akter, Sultana Khatun, Sumaiya Akther
Players to watch out:
Shobhana Mostary
Shobhana Mostary has been a solid presence in Bangladesh’s batting lineup during the 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup, accumulating 74 runs across 2 matches. Batting twice without remaining unbeaten, she holds a steady average of 37.00 with the best score of 40. She has faced 83 deliveries, striking at a rate of 89.15 while hitting 6 boundaries and a single six.
Esha Oza
Leading from the front for UAE, Esha Oza has registered 48 runs in her 2 appearances in the tournament. She has recorded a top score of 30, averaging 24.00 across her two innings. Her runs have come off 53 balls at a strike rate of 90.56, featuring 7 boundaries along the way.
Marufa Akter
Marufa Akter has provided impactful spells for Bangladesh, grabbing 5 wickets in 2 matches at an outstanding strike rate of 8.40. Over 7 overs (42 balls), she has conceded just 27 runs while delivering 1 maiden over, keeping her economy rate down to a tight 3.85. Her best bowling figures of 3 for 21 stand out alongside a frugal bowling average of 5.40.
Suraksha Kotte
Representing UAE, Suraksha Kotte has chipped in with 3 wickets across 2 matches in the competition. She has bowled 5 overs (30 balls), giving away 28 runs with 1 maiden over to her credit. With a best bowling performance of 3 for 16, she maintains an average of 9.33, an economy rate of 5.60, and a strike rate of 10.00.
Pitch:
The pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium traditionally offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers can extract decent bounce and sharp movement early on with the new ball, while spinners generally encounter less turn unless the surface dries out and wears. The deck often settles nicely for batters, allowing the ball to come onto the bat smoothly.
Weather:
The conditions will be sunny during the day and clear at night, reaching a high temperature of 42°C and dropping to a low of 30°C, accompanied by 16 mph winds from the southwest and a 0% chance of rain.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Nigar Sultana, Nahida Akter, Dilara Akter, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Esha Oza, Archara Supriya, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Suraksha Kotte
Match Details:
Date – September 8, 2026
Time – 8:00 PM IST
Venue – Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Broadcast – All matches of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network. Fans can also watch the tournament through the Sony LIV app and website.
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