Why did UAE retire all 10 batters in T20 WC Asia qualifier? Head coach Ahmed Raza breaks silence

In a truly unprecedented move that is now being described as a ‘tactical revolution,’ in white-ball cricket, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) women’s cricket team pulled off one of the strangest yet smartest acts in T20 history. Competing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Asia Qualifier against Qatar, the UAE women made global headlines by retiring out all ten of their batters, a decision made not out of injury or necessity, but as part of a deliberate and calculated strategy to ensure a win amid an approaching storm.

Esha Oza and Theertha Satish domination halted by a sudden stop

The match began like any other, but soon turned into an exhibition of batting supremacy. UAE’s openers, Esha Oza and Theertha Satish, took control from the very first delivery. Combining aggression with finesse, the pair added 192 runs in just 16 overs, taking full advantage of the Qatar bowling attack and the fast outfield at Terdthai Cricket Ground.

Esha, the team’s captain and standout performer, scored a breathtaking 113 runs off just 55 deliveries, a knock laced with boundaries, intelligent placement, and clean hitting. Her partner, wicketkeeper-batter Theertha Satish, was equally impactful with a fluent 74 from 42 balls, complementing Oza stroke-for-stroke. As the scoreboard soared past 190 and the run rate climbed above 12 an over, everyone anticipated a final assault in the death overs. But what followed left the cricketing world stunned.

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UAE head coach Ahmed Raza explains 10 batters retired in one match

In the post-match briefing, UAE head coach Ahmed Raza shed light on what transpired behind the scenes. As thunder rumbled and drizzle began to fall during their innings, Raza feared a weather-forced abandonment. A washout could have robbed UAE of a full match, potentially leaving points shared or the result decided via DLS.

“Whilst the innings was going on, we started hearing thunder and a slight drizzle had started. I went to the umpires and checked whether we could declare, but in white-ball cricket, you cannot declare. So I asked the match referee if I could retire my whole team out,” Raza was quoted as saying by the Sports Tak.

The permission was granted, and the UAE coaching staff acted swiftly. Their goal: to ensure a complete bowling innings could be played before rain arrived, thereby locking in a result. Given the bizarre nature of the tactic, some observers questioned whether the move was disrespectful to the Qatari side. Raza was quick to dismiss those concerns. He also stressed that everything was done within the laws of cricket, and with full communication to match officials.

“At the start of our bowling innings it was already drizzling, and we were scared of the thunderstorm. There was not enough time, and it was all done purely to get a result. By doing this, I meant no disrespect to anyone involved, our opposition, the officials, or the game,” Raza concluded.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.