{
  "id": 5746078,
  "title": "UAE keep Women’s Asia Cup hopes alive with Khushi Sharma cheering from the sidelines",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/uae-keep-womens-asia-cup-hopes-alive-with-khushi-sharma-cheering-from",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T08:40:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/cricket/2026/09/05/uae-keep-womens-asia-cup-hopes-alive-with-khushi-sharma-cheering-from-the-sidelines/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The UAE secured a crucial six-wicket victory over Indonesia in the Women's Asia Cup, propelling their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. This success provided a bittersweet moment for Khushi Sharma, the team's talented all-rounder, who has been sidelined with a knee injury for two years. Despite her absence, Sharma continues to don the role of the team's lead cheerleader, buoying her teammates' morale as they step out onto the field. \"Having her around the team, cheering us on the way out, whenever batters are walking in, just in terms of morale, I think that really helps us,\" said teammate Heena Hotchandani. Sharma's resilience in the face of her prolonged absence is evident, and her teammates are optimistic that she will return to the pitch in the near future. In the match, Hotchandani shone, taking 2-6 and a crucial catch off the second delivery of the game, while Esha Oza led the batting charge with a 30-ball 30. With Sri Lanka set to play Bangladesh next, the UAE's fate in advancing to the knockout stage hangs in the balance.",
  "summary": "The UAE crushed Indonesia to keep alive their hopes of a semi-final place at the Women’s Asia Cup – then reminded one of their injured colleagues she remains firmly in their thoughts. This tournament has been a bittersweet experience for Khushi Sharma. The all-rounder was a voluble presence in the home dugout during Friday night’s six-wicket win at the Dubai International Stadium. Her enthusiasm…",
  "key_points": [
    "UAE wins 6-wicket match against Indonesia, advancing hopes for semi-finals",
    "Khushi Sharma sidelined with knee injury for two years, cheers team on",
    "Heena Hotchandani leads with 2-6 and crucial catch in crucial match"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "UAE keep Women’s Asia Cup hopes alive with Khushi Sharma cheering from the sidelines",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/uae-keep-womens-asia-cup-hopes-alive-with-khushi-sharma-cheering-from-5750173",
        "published": "2026-09-05T08:40:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}