Why UAE coach retired all 10 batters in World Cup qualifiers

Dubai: A storm was brewing over the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, threatening an early end to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier clash between the UAE and Qatar. But there was another kind of storm on the pitch — Isha Oza. The UAE captain blazed a 55-ball 113 and shared a 192-run stand with fellow opener Theertha Satish on Saturday.

Nine teams are battling for two spots in the global qualifiers, divided into three groups of three. Each team plays the other two sides in its group once, with the top-ranked team from each progressing to the Super 3 stage. The three group winners will then face off, with the top two advancing to the Global Qualifier.

With so much at stake, every win counts — especially for the UAE, who narrowly missed out on the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Having learnt from past heartbreak, UAE head coach Ahmed Raza was quick to adapt when ominous weather loomed on Saturday. In a move rarely seen in international cricket, Raza retired all 10 UAE batters to force a result — and the gamble paid off.

“We could hear thunder and could see lightning and strong winds blowing across the ground,” said the former UAE men’s captain. “So we knew it was only a matter of time before something happened. Twenty20 and ODI matches don’t allow declarations. So at the end of the 16th over, after consulting with the match referees and officials, I decided to retire all the batters.”

The aim was to ensure at least five overs could be bowled in Qatar’s innings — the minimum required for a result under T20 rules. Raza’s decision proved spot on. It began drizzling just as Qatar came out to bat after a 10-minute changeover, but the UAE managed to complete five overs and bowl them out for 29 in 11.1 overs.

“It started raining heavily just as we got into the bus,” said Raza, calling the moment “scary”.

Michelle Botha and Katie Thompson led the attack with three and two wickets respectively, while each of the other bowlers chipped in with one wicket in a clinical display.

Raza was full of praise for Oza’s commanding century and her partnership with Theertha — the foundation that allowed the UAE to make the bold tactical call.

“These events are overshadowing Isha’s brilliant knock and the 192-run opening stand with Theertha, without which I couldn’t have done this,” he said. “This isn’t about disrespecting the game or the opponent. We just played within the rules.”