UAE Women’s team ready to make history in Zimbabwe

Dubai, 25 September 2025: The Esha Oza-led UAE Women’s team are set to make history tomorrow as they start their ODI journey in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The team will play 50-over matches for the first time in their history – the four-match series will be played from 26 September to 2 October. 

UAE were awarded ODI Status by the ICC in May this year after a series of impressive T20I format which helped them break into the top 15 teams and earn the right to play the 50-over format.

All four series matches will start at 9:15am local time. The ODIs will be played on 26, 28, 30 September and 2 October. 

Captain UAE Women’s Esha Oza: “The entire squad is looking forward to making history this week. We have worked very hard to reach here and earn the ICC ODI Status. Since coming here, we have acclimatised well and got a good start as we won the practice game against the High Performance team. 

“Our preparation has been excellent in the leadup to this series as we had an extensive camp in Dubai which helped us both select a solid 17-player squad and work on our strategies for the series. We have also worked hard on the mental and physical fitness aspects for the demands of the 50-over format. We can’t wait for the series to begin with the first ball to be bowled tomorrow.” 

Chief Operating Officer Emirates Cricket Board Subhan Ahmad: “This is a truly historic moment for UAE cricket as our women’s team takes the field for the first time in the ODI format. We have reached here after years of hard work, dedication and investment in women’s cricket. The players have done remarkably well in T20Is and have well and truly earned their ICC ODI Status”.

UAE Women’s squad for Zimbabwe tour: Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige and Vaishnave Mahesh. 

Support Staff: Subha Venkataraman (team manager), Ahmed Raza (head coach) and Merin Saji (physiotherapist). 

UAE Women’s bilateral tour of Zimbabwe – ODI and T20I schedule:

Friday, 26 September – First ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15am

Sunday, 28 September – Second ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15am

Tuesday, 30 September – Third ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15am

Thursday, 2 October – Fourth ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15am

Sunday, 5 October – 1st T2oI, Bulawayo – 9:15am

Monday, 6 October – 2nd T20I, Bulawayo – 9:15am

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