The ICC Associate Member Women Performance of the Year award was presented to the UAE women cricket team for their impressive performance in the ICC Women T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Key wins against Qatar and Bahrain came before a semifinal triumph against Hong Kong. In the decisive game versus a formidable Thailand team, Kavisha Egodage’s expertise led to an exciting six-run victory. This led them to progress to the worldwide qualifier, occurring earlier in 2024, and the UAE kept on making an impact, making it to the semifinal stage through outstanding performances.
Esha Oza’s team was defeated by the highly skilled Sri Lanka in a closely contested semifinal at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Awarded:
Being awarded the ICC Associate Member Women Performance of the Year is a moment of pride for UAE cricket team. Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary of Emirates Cricket Board, expressed delight in the progress of promoting and developing women cricket team in recent years, stating that efforts are now showing positive results.
“Our cricket team emerged victorious in the ICC Women T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers in Malaysia without a single defeat throughout the tournament.”
Esha Oza, our current captain, excelled in the tournament. This achievement has been made achievable thanks to the dedication and preparation that these girls receive at our centers.
Usmani also commended the UAE for their ability to withstand challenges when competing against more seasoned international teams.
“We are pleased with how our team is advancing in their rankings, with their impressive performance at the recent ICC Women T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi. Despite a tough match against Sri Lanka in the semifinal, they nearly qualified for the Women T20 World Cup,” he stated.
The Emirates Cricket Board plans to enhance their investment in advancing women cricket team nationwide. The UAE team is currently in Sri Lanka for the Women Asia Cup (July 19-28) tournament. Their first match in Group A is against Nepal on July 19, followed by games against India on July 21 and Pakistan on July 23.
Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Malaysia, with Malaysia hosting the matches. This grouping promises exciting encounters as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh bring their strong cricketing history, while Thailand and Malaysia aim to showcase their growing prowess in the sport. Hosting these matches gives Malaysia a unique opportunity to highlight their facilities and hospitality, further promoting cricket in the region. Fans can look forward to thrilling games, spirited performances, and the potential for emerging talents to make their mark on the international stage. This tournament is set to be a memorable event for all participating teams.
Both the semifinals will feature the top two teams from each group.
The UAE won the “ICC Associate Member Women Performance of the Year” prize after their impressive undefeated streak at the ICC Women T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Kuala Lumpur. Their successful mission ended with a final victory against Thailand, demonstrating the exceptional skills and commitment of the team. Mubashshir Usmani, who is the General Secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board, emphasized that the UAE is dedicated to supporting women cricket, acknowledging that their achievements are the result of intense training and careful development strategies. The cricket team’s successes highlight their growing reputation in global women cricket.
The influence of Scotland on society through the sport of cricket.
Scotland was acknowledged for their partnership with Beyond Boundaries, a charity that helps underprivileged youth through cricket, in the “Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year” category. By implementing programs like Disability Champion Clubs, the Wee Bash for women’s cricket, and community outreach initiatives, Cricket Scotland has made notable progress in promoting inclusivity and social change. Nicola Wilson, the Head of Development at Cricket Scotland, highlighted the significant effect of these programs on communities throughout Scotland, emphasizing the role of sports in promoting positive societal results.