DUBAI: The UAE Women’s U-19 team made history at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday as they confirmed their qualification for the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 with a thrilling one-run win over the hosts.
The win in the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2026 comes at the back of the UAE team’s successful (joint title-winning) campaign in the ACC Women’s U-19 Asia Cup 2026 qualification, which was also played in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month. UAE shared the Asia Cup qualifier trophy with Thailand as the final could not be completed due to rain.
ECB Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad said: “We are absolutely delighted by the outstanding performance of the UAE Women’s U-19 team in the two qualifying events in Malaysia. To secure both the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 and the DP World Women’s U-19 Asia Cup qualification is a monumental achievement. The Emirates Cricket Board has made big investment in the growth of the women’s game in recent years, and our efforts have started to reap some big rewards, which is pleasing for everyone.
“I want to congratulate the team, head coach, the support staff and all the board officials who have worked tirelessly in recent months. Our qualification for the two big events is a testament to the collective effort of all. We will now turn our attention and focus to the team’s preparation for the two events, and the ECB will continue to provide the best possible facilities to our players.”
UAE Women’s U-19 Captain Mehak Thakur said: “I am incredibly proud at the effort we made in the two tournaments, be it the Asia Cup qualifier or the World Cup qualifier. Both the tournaments were successful for us where we showcased our talent and skills. Now we are looking forward to playing against bigger and better teams and playing good competitive cricket. Overall, I am very happy that I led this side, this victory means a lot to us. Thank you all for the support and guidance.”
UAE Women’s Senior Captain Esha Oza congratulated the U-19 team on what she called an “epic” victory, and on the range of talent in the squad.
“It was great to see that we had different match-winners in all the games, and I am really proud of the team. We have had a few heartbreaks in World Cup qualifiers in the past, but this one heals everything. Going to the World Cup and playing against the best is what the team deserves, and I wish them the very best for what lies ahead.”
