Dubai: The UAE women's cricket team is set to lose one their most promising players. Natasha Michael, who created a stir by captaining the UAE women's cricket team in the first ever women's Asian Cricket Council at the age of 12 and also won the award for Asia's best batswoman in the Asia Cup Under-19 tournament, will leave for India today to pursue her dream of becoming a professional international cricketer.
"It's my dream to play for India and so I have decided to shift to Bangalore. I hope this city will give me great opportunities and excellent training to help me achieve my dream," said Natasha, who had won the UAE's best batswoman of the year award this year.
College studies
"I have joined a college there to continue my studies so that I can get opportunities to play alongside top cricketers and also, if possible, train at the National Cricket Academy," she added.
Natasha, who started playing cricket at the age of 10 with boys, went on to regularly win player of the tournament awards with her brilliant batting and medium pace. She also sparkled in UAE domestic tournaments, steering her school to victories through her allround show.
When the UAE put together its first ever women's team, Natasha emerged as the most qualified player to lead the side. Her splendid form helped the side in the Asia Cup Under-19 tournament as she aggregated 121 runs, topscoring repeatedly for the UAE to win the best batswoman award.
"I am greatly thankful to the UAE Cricket Board and their coach Hyder Ali for giving me the opportunities and guidance to improve my game. I idolise Jhulan Goswami, India's women's cricket team captain and hope to reach the heights she has achieved," said Natasha, who bats at No 1 slot for the UAE and opens the bowling attack.
"I know it might be tough to make a mark in India's very competitive cricket, but I will give my best. I want to further sharpen my skills and keep improving as a player," said Natasha, who watches all women's cricket matches on television in hopes of finding her place among the stars of the game one day.
The UAE women's cricket team, preparing for the Asia Cup under-19 trophy in September, will miss Natasha's contribution as an allrounder.
