In a move that stunned the cricketing world, the UAE women’s cricket team retired out all 10 of their batters during their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier match against Qatar in Bangkok on May 10, 2025. This unprecedented tactic, aimed at managing time amid looming rain, not only paid off handsomely but also sparked widespread debate and fascination among fans and experts.
UAE’s Unprecedented Tactic: Retiring Out Every Batter
The match at Terdthai Cricket Ground began with UAE opting to bat first. Openers Esha Rohit Oza and Theertha Satish put on a masterclass, amassing a 192-run partnership in just 16 overs. Oza smashed an electrifying 113 off 55 balls, peppered with 14 fours and five sixes, while Satish contributed a brisk 74 off 42 balls.
With the threat of rain ever-present and no option for a declaration in T20Is, UAE management, led by coach Ahmed Raza, made a bold call: every batter would pad up, walk to the crease, and immediately retire out. This allowed UAE to end their innings swiftly and get a chance to bowl before the weather could intervene.
Key Points of the Tactic:
- All 10 UAE batters retired out after a 192-run stand.
- The move was legal under T20I rules, though rarely seen.
- It enabled UAE to maximize their chances of a result despite rain threats.
Dominant All-Round Performance Secures Mammoth Win
The unusual strategy did not disrupt UAE’s momentum. With a daunting 192 on the board, UAE’s bowlers tore through Qatar’s lineup, dismissing them for just 29 runs in 11.1 overs. Seven Qatari batters were dismissed for ducks, highlighting the gulf in class on the day.
- Left-arm spinner Michelle Botha led the attack with 3 wickets for 11 runs.
- Katie Thompson chipped in with 2 wickets.
- Skipper Esha Oza, fresh off her batting heroics, also claimed a wicket in her only over.
The result: a record 163-run victory, the UAE’s second consecutive win in the tournament, propelling them to the top of the points table with a formidable net run rate.
Why Did UAE Retire Out Their Entire Lineup?
Retiring out is almost never seen in international cricket, but the UAE’s decision was rooted in pure strategy:
Rain Threat: With dark clouds gathering, UAE wanted to ensure they had time to bowl at Qatar and force a result.
No Declaration Option: T20I rules do not allow a team to declare, so retiring out was the only way to end the innings early.
Net Run Rate: A quick finish and big win would give UAE a significant net run rate boost, crucial for qualification scenarios.
Coach Ahmed Raza and captain Esha Oza’s out-of-the-box thinking ensured UAE stayed in control, regardless of the weather.
What Does This Mean for the Tournament?
With this win, UAE solidified their position at the top of Group B in the Asia Qualifier, with four points and a net run rate of +6.998. The victory puts them in a strong position to advance to the Super Three stage, bringing them closer to the 2025 Women’s T20 World Cup.
FAQs: UAE Women Retire Out All 10 Batters
1. Why did UAE retire out all their batters in a T20 match?
UAE retired out all 10 batters to end their innings quickly due to rain threats, as T20I rules do not permit a declaration.
2. Is retiring out legal in T20 Internationals?
Yes, retiring out is allowed under T20I rules, though it is extremely rare and usually only done for tactical reasons.
3. Has this ever happened before in international cricket?
This is one of the first instances in international T20 cricket where an entire lineup has been retired out for tactical reasons.
4. What was the result of the match?
UAE defeated Qatar by 163 runs, bowling them out for just 29 after posting 192 in 16 overs.
5. How does this affect UAE’s chances in the tournament?
The win gives UAE a strong net run rate and puts them in prime position to qualify for the Super Three stage of the Asia Qualifier.
Conclusion
The UAE women’s cricket team’s decision to retire out all 10 batters in a T20 World Cup qualifier against Qatar will go down as one of the most innovative and daring tactical moves in the sport’s history. Not only did it help them outmaneuver the weather, but it also led to a crushing victory and a commanding position in the tournament. As the qualifiers progress, all eyes will be on UAE to see what other surprises they might have in store.