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Esha Oza's 72* Powers UAE to 7-Wicket Win Over India A in Asia Cup Opener

UAE Women secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over India A in their Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 opener. Captain Esha Oza anchored the chase with an unbeaten 72 off 61 balls. India A, batting first, posted 130/9 thanks to Anushka Sharma's 47 and a late cameo from Tanuja Kanwer. The win was sealed with a boundary by Heena Hotchandani in the final over.

Key Points: UAE Women Beat India A in Asia Cup Rising Stars Opener

  • UAE skipper Esha Oza scores unbeaten 72
  • India A posts 130/9 after early wickets
  • Samaira Dharnidharka shines with ball and bat
  • Heena Hotchandani hits winning boundary
2 min read

UAE Captain Esha Oza's unbeaten 72 powers 7 wicket win over India A in Asia Cup Rising Stars opener

Captain Esha Oza's unbeaten 72 leads UAE to a 7-wicket victory over India A in the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 opener in Bangkok.

"Oza then built a match-defining 71-run partnership with Samaira Dharnidharka, keeping UAE on track. - Match Report"

Bangkok, February 13

UAE skipper Esha Oza steered her team to a commanding seven-wicket victory over India A in their Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 opener at Thailand's Terdthai Cricket Ground on Friday, with an unbeaten 72 off 61 balls anchoring the chase.

Opting to bat first, Radha Yadav's India A side kept losing wickets at regular intervals as pacer Samaira Dharnidharka struck early, tearing through the top order in the PowerPlay to claim three quick wickets.

Anushka Sharma, fresh from a solid Women's Premier League (WPL) stint with Gujarat Giants, steadied the innings with a composed 47 off 45 balls, while Tanuja Kanwer's quick 34 off 25 at the end lifted India A to 130/9.

Chasing 131, Oza and Theertha Satish put on 40 for the first wicket before Prema Rawat's leg-spin removed Satish in the eighth over.

Oza then built a match-defining 71-run partnership with Samaira Dharnidharka, keeping UAE on track.

Needing four off the final over, Radha Yadav brought herself on and struck the first ball, dismissing Rinitha Rajith, but Heena Hotchandani cracked a boundary next ball to seal a seven-wicket win and spark celebrations.

UAE now meets Nepal on February 15, while India A faces Pakistan A later that day.

Brief score: India A 130/9 in 20 overs (Anushka Sharma 47, Tanuja Kanwer 34; Samaira Dharnidharka 3/40). Vs UAE A 131/3 in 19.2 overs (Esha Oza 72*, Samaira Dharnidharka 34; Tanuja Kanwer 1/22).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Full credit to Esha Oza and UAE. They played brilliantly. Samaira Dharnidharka with both bat and ball! Our top order collapse was the real issue. 130 was never going to be enough on that pitch.
A
Aman W
Respectful criticism: The team selection and batting approach seemed a bit casual? Losing regular wickets in the powerplay against an associate nation is concerning. Hope the coaches address this before the Pakistan A match.
S
Sarah B
Great to see women's cricket growing! UAE played a fantastic game. Esha Oza's innings was a masterclass in chasing. This tournament is perfect for developing talent across Asia. 👏
K
Karthik V
Tanuja Kanwer tried her best with a quickfire 34 and a wicket. Sometimes a loss like this is a needed wake-up call. The real test is Pakistan A now. Jitegi zaroor!
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Nisha Z
It's just the first match, guys! Don't overreact. The purpose of India A is to test bench strength. Better to learn these lessons here than in a senior World Cup. All the best for the next match!

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