IND-A vs UAE Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026: UAE skipper Esha Oza helped her team defeat India by seven wickets during their Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 tournament opener on Friday. Oza had smashed a match-winning knock of 72 runs off 61 balls while chasing.
How India Lost to the UAE?
The Radha Yadav-led side won the toss and chose to bat first, but were seen struggling as fast bowler Samaira Dharnidharka rattled their batting lineup in the powerplay as she took three wickets. Anushka Sharma, who had a dream run in WPL 2026 while representing Gujarat Giants, helped the team bounce back by scoring a gritty knock of 47 runs off 45 balls. Tanuja Kanwer too scored 34 runs off 25 balls and helped the team post a target of 130 runs.
While chasing Oza and Theertha, Satish built a partnership of 40 runs for the first wicket, and then Prema Rawat took Satish's wicket. Oza then stitched a 71-run partnership with Samaira Dharnidharka and took UAE across the line.
With four runs needed off the final over, Radha Yadav brought herself on and dismissed Rinitha Rajith with the first ball. However, Heena Hotchandani hit a boundary on the next delivery to secure a seven-wicket win and spark celebrations.
Pakistan A Beat Nepal
At the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, Pakistan A Women delivered a disciplined all-round performance to achieve a 30-run win against Nepal Women in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025/26 on Friday.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan A faced early challenges, slipping to 19 for 2 within the first four overs as Kabita Kunwar’s double-strike disrupted their momentum. However, Captain Hafsa Khalid stabilized the innings with a composed 40 off 39 balls, combining singles with timely boundaries. Late support came from Waheeda Akhtar, whose brisk 23 off 15 balls added vital tempo. A final push from Eman Naseer (9 off 4) helped Pakistan A reach a competitive 137 for 6.
Nepal’s chase was steady initially, guided by opener Bindu Rawal’s 39 off 45 balls. However, Pakistan’s spinners tightened their grip, with Anosha Nasir taking 3 for 20, causing a collapse from 62 for 1 to 69 for 6 within 20 balls. Sita Rana Magar and Kabita Kunwar tried to recover, but the rising required rate and disciplined bowling ensured Nepal finished at 107 for 6, falling short of the target.
UAE will now face Nepal on February 15, while India A will play against Pakistan A later that day.