Oza to lead UAE at Emerging Nations Trophy

Esha Oza will captain the UAE at the first ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, with the squad set to compete in a new T20 event in Thailand later this month.

The tournament runs from November 20 to 30 in Bangkok. Eight teams will play each other once, and the side with the most points will win the title. The hosts, Thailand, join the UAE, Namibia, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Tanzania and Uganda.

All matches will be split between two venues in the city: Terdthai Cricket Ground and the Asian Institute of Technology Ground.

UAE fixtures

The UAE begin their campaign against Papua New Guinea on November 20 at AIT Ground. They stay there for their second match against the Netherlands the following day. Their meeting with Scotland on November 23 takes them across to Terdthai, before they return to AIT to face Uganda on November 25.

They then play Tanzania on November 26 and Thailand on November 28, both at Terdthai. Their final match, against Namibia, is set for November 30 at AIT.

Squad and staff

Oza leads a settled group, supported by wicketkeeper-batter Theertha Satish. The squad includes young players who have featured regularly in recent UAE campaigns, such as Michelle Botha, Samaira Dharnidharka and Siya Gokhale.

Ahmed Raza continues as head coach, with team manager Subha Venkataraman, strength and conditioning coach Hithaishi Basavaraj and physiotherapist Merin Saji forming the support staff.

Full UAE squad:

Esha Oza (c), Al Maseera Jahangir, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Lavanya Keny, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wk), Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.

The event gives the UAE a clear look at where they stand against similar opposition as women’s cricket continues to grow across the region.

Key Dates for UAE Fans