Windhoek, Namibia – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women clinched a hard-fought 4-wicket victory over Namibia Women in the 7th match of the Namibia Women’s T20I Tri-Series 2024 at the Wanderers Cricket Ground on September 12, 2024. Chasing a target of 127 runs, UAE successfully crossed the finish line with four balls to spare, thanks to solid contributions from Theertha Satish and captain Esha Oza, who was named Player of the Match for her all-around performance.
Namibia Struggle Despite Wittmann’s Knock
Batting first, Namibia Women posted a competitive total of 126/7. Captain Sune Wittmann led from the front with a well-compiled 43 off 35 balls, laced with six boundaries. Yasmeen Khan provided support at the top with a brisk 27 off 25. However, after a promising start, Namibia’s middle order faltered against some disciplined UAE bowling.
The UAE’s bowlers applied pressure in the middle overs, with Vaishnave Mahesh (2/21) and Esha Oza (2/19) picking up crucial wickets to stall Namibia’s momentum. Despite a late flourish from Jurriene Diergaardt (15 off 16), Namibia couldn’t break free and finished at 126/7 in their 20 overs.
UAE’s Steady Chase Under Pressure
Chasing 127, UAE got off to a steady start with captain Esha Oza and Theertha Satish building a solid platform. Oza contributed 21 off 30 balls, while Theertha Satish anchored the chase with a crucial 45 off 37 balls, striking six boundaries.
Though Namibia fought back with quick wickets, Rinitha Rajith’s cameo of 19 off 10 helped UAE regain control. With the match still in balance, Rajith’s power hitting kept UAE on track before she was run out in the final overs. However, Keziah Miriam Sabin’s calm presence at the crease ensured UAE reached the target with four balls to spare, finishing on 129/6.
Key Performers:
- Theertha Satish played the match-winning knock for UAE with her composed 45 off 37 balls, providing the stability needed for the chase.
- Esha Oza, who starred with both bat and ball, contributed 21 runs and took 2 wickets for 19 runs, earning her the Player of the Match award.
- For Namibia, Sune Wittmann led the way with a vital 43 off 35, while Wilka Mwatile (1/19) and Victoria Hamunyela (2/28) tried to contain the UAE batters.
Records and Key Moments:
- Theertha Satish’s 45 proved to be the highest score of the match, setting up the UAE’s successful chase.
- Esha Oza continued her all-round brilliance in the series, contributing both with the bat and the ball to help UAE secure a crucial win.
- Namibia’s Sune Wittmann shone with her captain’s knock, but a lack of support from the middle order left them short of a bigger total.
Brief Scores:
Namibia Women: 126/7 in 20 overs (Sune Wittmann 43, Yasmeen Khan 27; Vaishnave Mahesh 2/21, Esha Oza 2/19)
UAE Women: 129/6 in 19.2 overs (Theertha Satish 45, Esha Oza 21; Victoria Hamunyela 2/28, Wilka Mwatile 1/19)
Result: UAE Women won by 4 Wickets
With this victory, UAE Women solidified their position in the Namibia Women’s T20I Tri-Series, while Namibia will look to bounce back in their upcoming games.
