UAE gear up for Asian Under-19 event

Sharjah: UAE will take part in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 women's championship to be held in Thailand this year.

Twelve nations are expected to participate in this event, which will be the biggest women's cricket tournament to be staged by the ACC.

Last year, the Asian body staged their women's tournament in Malaysia with only eight teams. Bangladesh won the title beating Nepal by 86 runs.

The 12 participating teams are Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand and UAE. Iran is also expected to field a team.

"We have already started preparing for this event. The camp has commenced at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and we have been playing practice matches on our turf wicket," said Mazhar Khan, administrator of the Emirates Cricket Board, to Gulf News. ACC Level-2 coach Hyder Ali has been providing tips to the players.

UAE team physiotherapist Sudhaker is working on the fitness of the team.

Meanwhile, ETA Ascon have reached the Dulsco corporate tournament quarterfinal stage and Shipping World scored a big win in the Oasis Cup.