UAE Women Mark Historic ODI Debut with 36-Run Victory Over Zimbabwe
<p><strong>Bulawayo, September 26, 2025</strong> – The <strong>UAE women’s cricket team</strong> made a dream start to their <strong>One-Day International (ODI) journey</strong>, defeating Zimbabwe by <strong>36 runs</strong> in the opening match of the four-match series. This was the UAE’s first-ever ODI since receiving official status earlier this year, making the triumph a landmark moment for Emirati cricket.</p><h3>Strong Batting Foundation</h3><p>Opting to bat first, UAE posted a competitive total of <strong>222 for 5 in 50 overs</strong>. Despite an early setback when skipper <strong>Esha Oza</strong> departed for 10 runs, opener <strong>Lavanya Keny</strong> anchored the innings with a steady <strong>47 off 82 balls</strong>.</p><p>She forged a valuable <strong>56-run partnership</strong> with <strong>Heena Hotchandani (20)</strong>, giving the visitors a solid platform. However, Zimbabwe struck back with two quick wickets, momentarily halting UAE’s momentum.</p><p>That’s when <strong>19-year-old Rinitha Rajith</strong> stepped up. Displaying composure beyond her years, she compiled a <strong>run-a-ball 59 not out</strong>. Rajith found an able partner in <strong>Michelle Botha</strong>, whose unbeaten <strong>42 off 44 deliveries</strong> kept the scoreboard ticking. Together, they stitched an unbroken <strong>102-run stand</strong>, ensuring UAE finished on a high.</p><h3>Zimbabwe’s Faltering Chase</h3><p>Chasing 223, Zimbabwe’s innings began in dramatic fashion. <strong>Samaira Dharnidharka</strong> struck with the very first ball, dismissing opener <strong>Modester Mupachikwa</strong> to set the tone.</p><p>Though the hosts recovered to <strong>63 for 1 in 14 overs</strong>, UAE’s bowlers tightened their grip soon after. Captain <strong>Esha Oza</strong>, a two-time <strong>ICC Associate Women’s Player of the Year</strong>, showcased her all-round ability by claiming <strong>three key wickets</strong>.</p><p>Veteran <strong>Shashikala Athige Silva</strong> also grabbed <strong>three scalps</strong>, while Dharnidharka returned in the death overs with <strong>two wickets in two balls</strong>, finishing off the Zimbabwe innings at <strong>186 in 46.3 overs</strong>.</p><h3>A Historic Win for UAE Cricket</h3><p>The result not only gave UAE a <strong>1-0 lead in the series</strong> but also marked a milestone for the nation’s women’s cricket team, who were granted <strong>ODI status in May 2025</strong>.</p><p>For years, UAE women’s cricket had been making steady progress at the Associate level. With this victory, the team has sent a clear message about their potential to compete with established cricketing nations.</p><p>Skipper <strong>Esha Oza</strong> praised her team’s resilience:</p><blockquote><p><i>“This win is for everyone who believed in UAE women’s cricket. To start our ODI journey with a victory over a full-member side like Zimbabwe is special. The girls showed fight, patience, and teamwork.”</i></p></blockquote><h3>What’s Next?</h3><p>The <strong>second ODI</strong> will be played at the same venue in Bulawayo on <strong>Sunday</strong>, followed by two more ODIs and a <strong>two-match T20 International series</strong>. With confidence sky-high, UAE will aim to build on their historic start and continue their momentum in the coming fixtures.</p><h3>Why This Win Matters</h3><p><strong>First ODI victory:</strong> UAE women won on debut, a rare feat in international cricket.</p><p><strong>Emerging talent:</strong> Youngsters like Rinitha Rajith and Samaira Dharnidharka proved they can perform under pressure.</p><p><strong>Global recognition:</strong> The result boosts UAE’s standing in women’s cricket, highlighting the rapid strides the sport has made in the region.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The UAE women’s team has written history with their <strong>36-run win over Zimbabwe</strong> in Bulawayo. From solid batting partnerships to disciplined bowling, the performance reflected maturity and skill far beyond debut expectations.</p><p>As the series continues, all eyes will be on how the Emirati side consolidates this breakthrough and carves out a stronger identity in international cricket.</p><p>With young stars rising and experienced players guiding the way, the UAE’s victory is more than just a win—it’s the <strong>beginning of a new era for women’s cricket in the Emirates</strong>.</p>