UAE want to be one of the best Associate women’s teams in the world; their captain is helping them get there

In a region where the progress of women in society and sports often lags behind, the UAE women’s cricket team is defying expectations and making significant strides. Their journey, marked by dedication, talent, and the support of a forward-thinking community, showcases a burgeoning cricket culture that values the inclusion and empowerment of women. Despite not being the best-performing Associate team over the past year, their commendable performance in the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier earned them the ICC Associate Women’s Performance of the Year award for 2023, highlighting their potential for future success.

Nurturing Talent Through Professional Academies

A key factor in the UAE women’s cricket team’s rise is the highly professionalized academy system that introduces local-born players to the sport. These academies offer a structured environment where young girls can hone their skills, supported by parents who understand the importance of physical activity for both genders. “It’s become the norm growing up. Parents usually take their kids to all different kinds of sports and then allow them to pick one over the other,” explained Ahmed Raza, former UAE men’s captain and now women’s coach. This supportive culture has been instrumental in the development of players like Esha Oza, the current UAE women’s team captain.

The Rise of Esha Oza

Esha Oza’s journey is a testament to the opportunities available for young women in the UAE. Moving to the Emirates from Mumbai as a baby, Oza grew up playing football and discovered cricket during summer holidays in India. Her passion for the sport led her to join the Desert Cubs Academy at the age of 15, where she played alongside boys and quickly stood out as a talented opening batter and offspinner. By 2014, she was representing the UAE in international tournaments, and her experience in other team sports like football proved invaluable in her cricketing success.

Challenges and Triumphs

Despite her rapid rise, Oza faced significant challenges. Balancing her academic pursuits with her cricketing ambitions required immense dedication. In 2019, she spent an extended period in Mumbai, competing for a spot in the domestic Under-23 side. The trials were grueling, with over 5,000 girls competing for limited spots. Oza’s perseverance paid off as she earned a place in the Mumbai Cricket Association’s indoor summer camp and later in the senior T20 squad. Her experiences in India, playing alongside and against some of the country’s best players, enriched her game and prepared her for future challenges.

The Covid-19 Impact and Return to Form

The pandemic posed another hurdle, halting international cricket for the UAE between February 2019 and November 2021. However, Oza used this time to maintain her skills and fitness. Her dedication paid off when she returned to international cricket with a bang, scoring the third-highest individual score in T20I history by any female cricketer with her 158 not out against Bahrain. This remarkable innings was a testament to her talent and resilience, and it solidified her reputation as a rising star in women’s cricket.

Leadership and Future Aspirations

As the captain of the UAE women’s team, Oza has led by example, improving her T20I average significantly and guiding her team to an unbeaten campaign at the Asia Qualifiers. Although they fell short of qualifying for the T20 World Cup after a loss to Sri Lanka, Oza remains determined to lead her team to future World Cups. “I really badly wanted to make it to this year’s World Cup,” she said. “But every team wants it. Every team playing the qualifiers has the same goal. The World Cup is the biggest event for cricketers, and I just want to take the team to one, hopefully the 2026 World Cup.”

Building a Legacy for Future Generations

The UAE women’s cricket team’s achievements are not just about winning matches; they are about inspiring the next generation. With a robust development program and role models like Oza, young girls in the UAE now have clear pathways to pursue cricket. “We’re seeing a lot more girls taking part in cricket in the UAE,” Oza said. “We see ten-year-olds coming and saying that they’ve watched us play. They’re watching the UAE women’s team play. That means even they’re keeping their eyes on what’s happening.”

Aiming for the Top

The UAE women’s cricket team has set ambitious goals, including becoming one of the best Associate countries in the world and achieving ODI status. With their current trajectory, they are well on their way. The support from the cricketing community, the dedication of players like Oza, and the vision of coaches like Raza are driving the team forward. As they prepare for future tournaments and continue to break new ground, the UAE women’s cricket team stands as a beacon of progress and a source of inspiration for women in sports across the Middle East and beyond.

In conclusion, the UAE women’s cricket team’s journey is a remarkable story of perseverance, talent, and community support. Their success in breaking barriers and setting new standards for women’s cricket in the region is a testament to the power of sports to drive social change and empower individuals. As they continue to strive for excellence, they are not only winning matches but also hearts, inspiring a new generation of female cricketers to dream big and achieve their goals.

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