The fifth match of Group A in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 featuring UAE and Nepal led to a nail-biting clash where United Arab Emirates Women edged past Nepal Women by 18 runs. After Nepal won the toss and chose to field first, they wanted to restrict UAE under a chaseable total but UAE batting first was followed by a batting masterclass from UAE skipper Esha Oza.
UAE Women posted an imposing 189 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs, a total built almost entirely around a sensational knock from captain Esha Oza. Leading from the front, Oza played one of the finest innings of the tournament, smashing 125 runs off just 63 deliveries. Her innings was a blend of timing and power, peppered with 14 boundaries and 9 towering sixes. She dominated the Nepal bowling attack with confidence, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking at a brisk pace.
UAE had a cautious start, losing Theertha Satish for just 1, but once Oza settled in, there was no looking back. She stitched useful partnerships in the middle overs and capitalised brilliantly at the death. Heena Hotchandani provided steady support with an unbeaten 45 off 38 balls, rotating the strike well and allowing her captain to take charge. Nepal’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, though Manisha Upadhayay was economical and picked up two wickets.
Chasing a daunting target of 190, Nepal Women showed admirable fight and intent. Openers Bindu Rawal and Samjhana Khadka tried to build a steady platform, but regular wickets kept interrupting their momentum. Rawal contributed 16, while Khadka played a lively knock of 58 from 39 balls, striking 11 boundaries at crucial intervals to keep Nepal in the hunt.
Captain Puja Mahato added further hope with a crucial knock of 53 runs off 35 deliveries. Her aggressive approach in the middle overs briefly shifted the pressure back onto UAE. For a moment, Nepal looked capable of pulling off a memorable chase as the required run rate hovered within reach.
However, UAE’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages. Suraksha Kotte and Heena Hotchandani delivered important breakthroughs; they both took 2 wickets each, preventing Nepal from building a decisive partnership. Despite a push from Sita Rana Magar 22 not out and Roma Thapa, the target proved just out of reach. Nepal finished on 171 for 5 in their 20 overs, falling 18 runs short.
The match showed the pure class of Esha Oza, whose magnificent century set the tone for UAE’s victory. Her innings not only anchored the batting effort but also lifted the team’s energy in the field. With this win, UAE Women strengthened their position in Group A, while Nepal Women, despite a spirited chase, were left to reflect on missed opportunities in the field.
It was a contest filled with quality batting, fighting spirit, and moments of brilliance a fitting showcase of emerging talent in the tournament.
Loves all things female cricket