UAE Women’s Cricket Team out to ‘inspire’ at home Asia Cup

Dubai will be transformed by a cricket fever as the Women’s Asia Cup commences on September 28. The UAE women's team will have a golden opportunity to exhibit the rapid development of women's cricket in the nation and motivate the future generation of young players. The UAE will kick off their campaign against Sri Lanka on August 29, with captain Esha Oza spearheading the squad, aiming to deliver a strong performance in front of a vibrant home audience at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Oza expressed her excitement about playing in front of her loved ones, adding that it is a tremendous honor to do so. Two years ago, UAE faced Sri Lanka at home and narrowly lost, which fuels their determination to secure a win this time.

The UAE earned their berth at the Women’s Asia Cup by reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 ACC Women’s Premier Cup in Malaysia. They secured the spot after defeating Malaysia by 52 runs in the quarter-final, with Esha Oza contributing significantly with the bat and ball, scoring 42 runs and taking 2-16. Interim head coach Subha Venkataraman acknowledges the high expectations from the home fans but remains confident in her team's abilities. She credits the team's recent success in qualifying as a testament to their performance.

Venkataraman highlights the Women’s Asia Cup as a significant chance to broaden the sport's reach in the UAE and encourage more young cricketers to take up the game. The ICC Academy at Dubai Sports City will serve as the UAE women's team's base during the tournament, offering a top-tier training environment to prepare for the competition.

This environment has played a crucial role in the growth and advancement of cricket in the UAE. Venkataraman emphasized how the accessibility of the sport in Dubai has attracted more young players, which can be attributed to the availability of excellent facilities.