United Arab Emirates Women registered a clinical all-round performance to record a comfortable six-wicket win over tournament debutants Indonesia Women in their Group B fixture of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Electing to field after winning the toss on a gripping Dubai pitch, UAE made an immediate breakthrough. Opening bowler power was on full display as Indonesia slumped to a dismal start, losing Maria Corazon off the very first ball of the match and Ni Luh Dewi just two deliveries later without a run added.
By the end of the six-over Powerplay, Indonesia were reeling at 22 for 3. Middle-order batter Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini led Indonesia’s attempts to anchor the innings, battling hard to construct a partnership alongside the lower order. Indonesia reached 39 for 4 at the half-way mark, with Sakarini showing resilience to score 32 of those runs.
However, UAE’s bowling attack kept the pressure relentless, choking the scoring lanes and striking at regular intervals. Once Sakarini fell in the 16th over with the score at 57 for 5, Indonesia’s tail offered little resistance. They managed to pass the 50-mark in 13.4 overs but were eventually bundled out for 73 in 19.4 overs, leaving UAE a target of 74 to claim victory.
Chasing a modest target of 74, UAE approached their innings with calm intent. Despite losing opener Theertha Satish early in the fifth over for 17, skipper Esha Rohit Oza and Rinitha Rajith controlled the tempo of the run chase. The duo accumulated runs effortlessly during the middle overs, bringing up the team’s 50 in 8.3 overs.
By the 10-over break, UAE had firmly asserted dominance at 62 for 1, requiring just 12 runs for victory. Although Indonesia’s bowlers fought back to claim three late wickets in quick succession, removing Esha Oza (30), Rinitha Rajith (20), and Heena Hotchandani for a duck, but the damage had already been done.
UAE comfortably knocked off the remaining runs, finishing at 75 for 4 in 13.1 overs to cross the finish line with 41 balls to spare.
The victory provides host nation UAE with vital points in Group B following their opening-game loss to Sri Lanka, keeping their campaign on track as they set their sights on a decisive clash against Bangladesh on September 8. For Indonesia, the loss marks their third consecutive setback in their maiden Asia Cup campaign, highlighting the steep learning curve against established Asian opposition.
