UAE posts 192/0 before voluntarily retiring out all players; Qatar bundled out for 29 in a one-sided Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier clash
Bangkok, May 10 – In a highly unusual and unprecedented move in international cricket, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) women’s team made headlines on Saturday by retiring out all ten batters after posting a mammoth 192 without loss in just 16 overs against Qatar in the Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier.The match, held at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, saw UAE skipper Esha Oza and opening partner Theertha Satish dominate from the outset. The duo put up a stunning unbeaten 192-run partnership in just 96 balls. Oza led the charge with a blistering 113 off 55 deliveries, smashing 14 fours and five sixes, while Satish supported with an aggressive 74 from 42 balls.
However, the real twist came when UAE, instead of continuing to bat, chose to end their innings in a way never seen before. Since declarations are not permitted in T20 cricket, the team employed a loophole in the laws of the game by retiring out all batters, including Oza, Satish, and eight others who hadn’t even faced a delivery.
This strategic maneuver left spectators and officials stunned, marking the first instance in international cricket where an entire batting line-up retired out.
Qatar Crumbles Under Pressure
Chasing an imposing target of 193, Qatar collapsed spectacularly, managing just 29 runs in 11.1 overs. Rizpha Bano Emmanuel was the lone resistance, scoring 20 off 29 balls. Only two other batters managed to open their accounts, while the rest succumbed without scoring, contributing to a record 15 ducks — the most ever in a women’s T20 International.UAE’s bold strategy and dominant performance earned them a thumping 163-run win, further cementing their status as strong contenders in the Asia Qualifier.
The match, which lasted a mere 27.1 overs in total, is now being widely discussed for its unique approach and the statistical anomalies it generated.
This historic encounter not only showcased UAE’s on-field dominance but also brought forth an intriguing tactical innovation that could spark debates around the spirit and strategy of the game.