UAE face uphill battle in Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier

To say the UAE will be giving away much in terms of experience to their rivals at the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier feels like a gross understatement.

The eight-team competition, which carries with it two places at the main event in South Africa next February, involves sides from cricket’s Test elite like Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

Thailand are a rising force in the women’s game, and are especially driven to play at a second consecutive T20 World Cup. And Ireland have already played at three.

By contrast, the host nation will be playing at a global qualifier for the first time, let alone anything more prestigious, with a squad that has an average age of just over 20.

Included in their ranks are three 15-year-olds who will be missing school to play.

Not that they are remotely daunted by what lies ahead. Instead, they can’t wait to get started.

“It is a really good boostfor us,” said Vaishnave Mahesh, the second youngest player in the UAE squad after Samaira Dharnidharka.

“You don’t usually get the chance to play for a national team aged 15. It is a great experience to be playing alongside players like Esha [Oza] and Chaya [Mughal].”

Despite her tender age, Vaishnave has already played 24 T20 internationals. In the most recent of those, she took 4-12 against United States with her leg-spin bowling.

When she made her debut, she was just a month past her 12th birthday. That itself was only three years after she had decided to pursue the sport seriously.

From September 18-25, Abu Dhabi . The two finalists advance to the main event in South Africa in February 2023 Group A: United States, Ireland, Scotland, Bangladesh Group B: UAE, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea UAE group fixtures: Sept 18, 3pm, Zayed Cricket Stadium –