UAE Women’s team ready to make history in Zimbabwe
Dubai, 25 September 2025 — The Esha Oza-led UAE Women’s team is set to make history as they play their first-ever One Day Internationals (ODIs) starting tomorrow, 26 September, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The four-match ODI series marks a major milestone for the team, who were granted ODI status by the ICC in May 2025.
The matches will be played on 26, 28, 30 September, and 2 October, with all games starting at 9:15 AM local time. The series will be followed by two T20Is on 5 and 6 October, also in Bulawayo.
UAE Women enter new era after ICC ODI status
The historic series comes after UAE’s rise in the T20I rankings, breaking into the ICC’s top 15 and securing the right to compete in the 50-over format. The squad has undergone intensive preparation in Dubai, including fitness and strategy sessions to adjust to the physical and mental demands of ODI cricket.
Captain Esha Oza shared her thoughts ahead of the debut:
“The entire squad is looking forward to making history this week. We’ve worked hard to reach this point. Winning the practice game against the High Performance team has given us momentum, and our preparation in Dubai was extensive. We’re excited and ready to begin this journey.”
ECB leadership: “A truly historic moment”
Subhan Ahmad, COO of the Emirates Cricket Board, hailed the achievement:
“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. The players have done remarkably well in T20Is and have earned this opportunity through years of dedication and performance.”
UAE Women’s squad for Zimbabwe tour
Squad: 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, Vaishnave Mahesh.
Support Staff: Subha Venkataraman (Team Manager), Ahmed Raza (Head Coach), Merin Saji (Physiotherapist).
Full schedule – UAE Women’s tour of Zimbabwe
- Friday, 26 September: 1st ODI – Bulawayo – 9:15am
- Sunday, 28 September: 2nd ODI – Bulawayo – 9:15am
- Tuesday, 30 September: 3rd ODI – Bulawayo – 9:15am
- Thursday, 2 October: 4th ODI – Bulawayo – 9:15am
- Sunday, 5 October: 1st T20I – Bulawayo – 9:15am
- Monday, 6 October: 2nd T20I – Bulawayo – 9:15am
This tour marks the beginning of a new era for UAE Women’s cricket as they look to establish themselves in the ODI format and continue their ascent in international cricket.
