In a thrilling encounter at Abu Dhabi, the UAE cricket team showcased remarkable resilience against Sri Lanka in the Global T20 World Cup Qualifier semifinal, ultimately succumbing by a margin of 15 runs. Skipper Esha Oza’s stellar all-round performance ignited hopes of a historic victory, but Sri Lanka’s experience prevailed in the end.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 149 for six in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of Vishmi Gunaratne’s crucial innings of 45 runs off 44 balls. Despite the UAE bowlers, led by Esha Oza and Vaishnave Mahesh, striking at regular intervals, Sri Lanka managed to set a challenging target.
In response, Esha Oza spearheaded the UAE’s chase with a sensational 66 runs off just 44 deliveries, including two fours and four sixes. Despite losing her opening partner early on, Esha formed valuable partnerships with Khushi Sharma and Kavisha Egodage, keeping the home team’s hopes alive.
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However, Esha’s dismissal by Udeshika Prabodhani, when the UAE needed 41 runs from 24 balls, dashed their aspirations. The UAE concluded their innings at 134 for seven, falling short of the target and missing out on a historic World Cup qualification.
Despite the defeat, the UAE’s performance marked their best showing in a Global World Cup Qualifier, reflecting their growing prowess in international cricket.
Meanwhile, in the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup, England is set to clash with South Africa in the opening match, kicking off the tournament scheduled from October 3 to 20 in Dhaka and Sylhet. With hosts Bangladesh and top-ranked teams from the previous edition securing automatic qualification, Sri Lanka and Scotland have secured their spots by advancing to the Global Qualifier final.
The tournament promises to be a spectacle, with ICC CEO Geoff Allardice emphasizing the exponential growth of women’s cricket over the years. With a lineup of formidable teams and exciting matchups on the horizon, cricket enthusiasts can anticipate an enthralling competition in October.
The upcoming ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup will mark the ninth edition of the tournament, returning to Bangladesh after hosting in 2014.
(with inputs from AFP)
