Howzat! UAE women's cricket team's incredible record of 20 games unbeaten - in pictures

The UAE etched their name into the history books on Saturday when they matched the world record for the longest unbeaten run in all T20 international cricket.

In beating Malaysia in the final of the ACC Women’s T20 Championship in Kuala Lumpur, they levelled the record for 20 matches without a loss previously set by England a decade ago.

Coincidentally, Malaysia were the opponents when they started their streak, too, back at the ICC Academy in Dubai last November.

In the meantime, they have won a Gulf title in Oman, beaten Hong Kong in a bilateral series in Ajman, sealed qualification for the Asia Cup for the first time, and given themselves a shot at doing the same for the Women’s T20 World Cup.

The standout performers have been many, right from the 40-something former Sri Lankan Test player Chamani Seneviratna, to schoolgirl fast bowler Samaira Dharndharka, who was just 14 when the run started.

Here is a look back at the UAE women's cricket team's unbeaten run:

UAE's Kavisha Egodage celebrates taking the wicket of Malaysia's Winifred Duraisingam in their Women's T20 World Cup Asia region qualifier at the ICC Academy in Dubai. All images Chris Whiteoak / The National

1. November 22, 2021. Beat Malaysia by 30 runs in the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Dubai. On her international debut, Theertha Satish top scored with 46, as UAE posted 131 for four. It was well beyond Malaysia.

2. November 23, 2021. Beat Hong Kong by 11 runs in the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Dubai. Chaya Mughal was named player of the match after making a breezy 20 and taking two wickets in the key clash of the Qualifier.

3. November 25, 2021, Beat Bhutan by 47 runs in the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Dubai. Chamani Seneviratna shared the key