Bangladesh Women registered their first win of the tournament, with a well-rounded performance, to beat United Arab Emirates Women in Match 12 Group B at the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 by 34 runs. The game took place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 8, where UAE Women won the toss and opted to bowl first.
No wickets in hand Bangladesh were channelized to 103/7 in the twenty overs. Bangladesh were reeling at 40-4 but an important chain breaking laces from Sharmin Akhter with the score of 38 runs off 31 balls with three fours just got them back on track. Nigar Sultana added 23 runs from 28 deliveries and Juairiya Ferdous made 16 off 20 balls. Nahida Akter scored 16 not out from 26 balls, Rabeya Khan scoring three not out. Bangladesh scored 103 in 20 overs at a run rate of 5.15
Bangladesh were then kept under pressure for the UAE and it was their bowlers who set the tone. The best bowler was Suraksha Kotte, who took three wickets for 11 runs in her four overs. Indhuja Nandakumar received 2 wickets for 21 runs whereas Archara Supriya and Janani Thirukkumaran shared one wicket each. Bangladesh found themselves in further trouble at 55/6 before Sharmin Akhter and Nahida Akter steadied the ship and helped the total cross the triple-figure barrier.
UAE Women struggled for partnerships in the chase of 104 as they ended their innings on 69/9 after 20 overs. Theertha Satish contributed 11 from 24 deliveries, while Heena Hotchandani was their top scorer with a modest 18 runs off the bat from her total of 19 balls. Janani Thirukkumaran scored six, while Samaira Dharnidharka and Rinitha Rajith made 8 and five respectively. Mehul Pranav Kulkarni stayed not out on nine and Archara Supriya was two not out. The UAE innings moved at a mere 3.45 runs per over.
The UAE batting line up could not handle the pace attack from Bangladesh. Rabeya Khan achieved the best bowling figures of the match taking three for 14 in four overs. Marufa Akter was also in fine form with the ball, finishing with 2/9, while Nahida took another two for 18. Sultana Khatun and Fahima Khatun took one wicket each to finish off an impressive bowling display.
The UAE batting order fell like the warming sun at fish market, with Bangladesh doing well to keep wickets falling at regular intervals and not allow any substantial partnership taking shape. UAE managed just 15 runs in the mandatory powerplay and continued to trail behind the rate. They lost their ninth with the score at 65 and finished with a meagre 69/9 after 20 overs.
Bangladesh Women travelled to Group B of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 with this victory by a margin of 34 runs. Two of the biggest highlights from the match for Bangladesh were a valuable 38 by Sharmin Akhter and three wickets from Rabeya Khan.
