Waseem to lead UAE in 2-match T20I series against Bangladesh

Seasoned opening batter Muhammad Waseem will lead the 15-member UAE squad for the two-match T20I series against Bangladesh which will be staged at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The matches will be played on Saturday and Monday.

Of late UAE have been playing bilateral series with countries like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland and New Zealand.

UAe have shown a great improvement since their debut in the international cricket.

They also played a three-match series against New Zealand, which the tourist won 2-1. They were close to winning the series against the cricketing giants but fell short by 32 runs in their chase in the last match after wining the second game.

Their results with the other teams like Zimbabwe and Netherlands has been commendable.

Through their continuous hard work and progress under the different coaches, UAE have attained the ODI and T20 status in the international cricket.

Cricket is the most sought after and popular sport in the country due to the high influx of the expatriates from the sub-continent.

The cricket has witnessed an unprecedented growth in the past few years by both men and women teams .

UAE eves cricket got the ODI status few days ago with a commendable performance.

Earlier, Khalid Al Zarooni, Emirates Cricket Board’s Vice-Chairman, congratulated the UAE women’s on being awarded the ICC ODI status for the first time in the team’s history.

The ICC announced ODI status for five Associate Members on Friday for the 2025-29 cycle. The status comes into effect from May 12, 2025. Thailand and Scotland retained their ODI status due to their qualification for the Women’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) Qualifier 2025.

Papua New Guinea and the Netherlands retained their ODI status through their T20I ranking while the UAE gained ODI status by virtue of being the next highest ranked Associate Member team at the time of the annual ICC Women’s T20I ranking update.

The UAE have replaced the US in the list of 16 teams with ODI status for the 2025-29 cycle. Zarooni said: “The Emirates Cricket Board is delighted with the incredible progress of our women’s team. Their rise to ODI status is a monumental achievement and speaks volumes about the team’s determination, skills, talent and commitment. “I want to congratulate captain Esha Oza and all her team members as well as the coaching staff on their global recognition which is a result of their untiring efforts and the Emirates Cricket Board’s development work and the sheer dedication in the growth of women’s game in the UAE.

“In the coming days, months and years the ECB will continue to provide top quality facilities to our women players including regular playing opportunities against international opposition at both junior and senior levels.

“Our talent hunt programmes at both school and college levels across the UAE continue to reap rewards. We are as determined as ever to make more progress. I wish the team the very best as they start an exciting journey in the 50-overs format.”

UAE women’s team captain Esha Oza: “A big congratulations to everyone at the Emirates Cricket Board. All the players , coaches , support staff and board members. It has been an amazing journey so far for the UAE women’s team and it’s a historic moment for us to achieve ODI status. “This recognition is hard earned with tireless efforts put in behind the scenes by players and coaches and through the unwavering support of the ECB. The past few years have been years of growth for our team and a big shoutout goes to everyone who has been involved with the women’s team since the very beginning.

“From the first ever team that represented the UAE women’s national side to the one that will be the first to represent the team at ODIs , it’s a proud moment for everyone, I’m sure.

“A big congratulations to everyone and we’re all excited for the journey ahead.”

Teams with ODI status are required to play at least eight ODIs over a three-to-four-year period to achieve or maintain a ranking. At the recently held ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan, Scotland delivered a commendable performance by finishing fourth out of six competing teams.