UAE have announced a 15-player squad for the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, with Esha Oza named as captain. The tournament kicks off on August 28, 2026, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, marking the first occasion UAE will host the continental women’s event.
Placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, the defending champions, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, UAE will open their campaign against Sri Lanka on August 29, 2026, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. They will then face Indonesia on September 4 and Bangladesh on September 8. The semi-finals are set for September 10 and 11, with the final scheduled for September 13, 2026. The squad expressed significant enthusiasm about competing on home soil.
“Being able to play in front of a home crowd is something which is a huge honour, two years ago we played Sri Lanka at home, we gave them a good game but just came out short so this time we are really eager to get that win.”
How experienced is Esha Oza heading into the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
Oza stands as one of UAE’s most accomplished players in women’s T20 international cricket. Having captained the team in 54 WT20I matches, she boasts a win percentage of 68.51 with 37 victories, underscoring her leadership credentials.
In batting performances, Oza has featured in 117 WT20Is, accumulating 3,403 runs at an average of 34.72 and a strike rate of 119.69. Her five centuries and 14 fifties highlight her importance to UAE’s batting lineup as they prepare for home conditions.
How tough is UAE’s group stage challenge at the Women’s Asia Cup 2026?
UAE face a challenging group stage opener against Sri Lanka, the reigning Women’s Asia Cup champions. Having previously encountered the visitors on UAE soil, the hosts aim to improve upon past results, as reflected in the squad’s statements.
“We’re all really excited to play in front of our families and friends.”
Their group stage continues with matches against Bangladesh and Indonesia before the knockout rounds begin with the semi-finals on September 10 and 11, 2026.
UAE squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2026
Esha Oza (c), Archara Supriya, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Janani Thirukkumaran, Lavanya Keny, Mehul Kulkarni, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish, Uttara Iyer, Vaishnave Mahesh
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