Bangkok: In a first-of-its-kind occurrence in international cricket, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) women’s team retired out all ten batswomen during a T20 International match against Qatar in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier here.
Opting to bat first at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, the UAE openers — Esha Oza and Theertha Satish — stitched together a commanding 192-run partnership in just 16 overs before each of them voluntarily retired out, along with the remaining eight players, to bring the innings to a close without the loss of a single wicket.
This unprecedented move — never before witnessed in any form of international cricket — was reportedly taken by the UAE team management due to looming rain and the desire to force a result in the weather-threatened encounter.
Head coach and former international allrounder Ahmed Raza, believing the total was more than sufficient, made the strategic decision to end the innings early. Since declarations are not permitted in limited-overs cricket, each batswomen ran in and retired out in sequence.
Esha struck a brilliant 113 off 55 deliveries, hitting 14 boundaries and five sixes, while Theertha contributed an unbeaten 74 from 42 balls.
In reply, Qatar were bowled out for just 29 runs in 11.1 overs, with only three batswomen troubling the scorers. Rizpha Bano Emmanuel top-scored with 20, while the rest of the lineup folded meekly, resulting in 15 ducks — a record in women’s T20I history.
The match forms part of the ongoing Asia Region Qualifier, which acts as the gateway to the global qualifiers for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The top two teams from the tournament will advance to the next stage.
