Dubai: The UAE women’s cricket team emerged winners of the inaugural GCC Women’s Twenty20 Championship held in Oman. Through a spirited display, UAE remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and defeated Kuwait by 49 runs in the final to lift the glittering trophy.
UAE have been finally rewarded with their first international tournament trophy after becoming the pioneers of women’s cricket in the Gulf after having participated in all Asian Cricket Council women’s tournaments since 2007. This five-day event was contested by hosts Oman Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.
Speaking to Gulf News, Mohammad Hyder, coach of the UAE women’s team said: “The victory is the result of the enthusiasm and hard work of the girls who used to turn up for practice at 5.30am despite the coaching starting an hour later. This triumph is also due the Emirates Cricket Board’s confidence in us by providing support with all facilities hoping that one day we will start winning.”
In the final, UAE posted 122 for 6 and bowled out Kuwait for 73. Heena Hotchandani bowled a fine spell picking up three wickets for five runs backed by Samiya Salim with two wickets to destroy Kuwait’s innings. UAE began their campaign defeating Kuwait in the first-round match by 34 runs and then scored a seven-wicket win over hosts Oman in their next match. UAE also scored an emphatic 70 runs win over Qatar to reach the final.
Manvi Dhodhi, manager of the team who has inspired many women to sharpen their skills as a Level One coach, said: “Our victory is the result of every player performing their role to perfection in order to implement our team’s strategy for every match. Our hard work has also been rewarded.”
Charvi Bhatt, the skipper of the UAE women’s team who has been leading the team for many years received the trophy. UAE also bagged two prestigious individual awards. Subha Venkataraman won the best batswoman of the tournament award while the best bowler award was won by Samiya Salim.
