Esha Oza to lead UAE in home Women's Asia Cup 2026

UAE have announced a 15-player squad for the Women's Asia Cup 2026, with Esha Oza named as captain. The tournament begins on August 28, 2026, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, marking the first time UAE will host the continental women's event.

UAE have been placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, the defending champions, Bangladesh and Indonesia. Their opening group match is against Sri Lanka on August 29, 2026, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. UAE then face Indonesia on September 4 and Bangladesh on September 8. The semi-finals are scheduled for September 10 and 11, with the final on September 13, 2026. The UAE squad expressed enthusiasm about the home assignment.

"Being able to play in front of a home crowd is something which is a huge honour, two years ago we played Sri Lanka at home, we gave them a good game but just came out short so this time we are really eager to get that win." said Oza as quoted by ICC.

How experienced is Esha Oza heading into the Women's Asia Cup 2026?

Oza is one of UAE's most accomplished players in women's T20 international cricket. She has captained the side in 54 WT20I matches, recording 37 wins at a win percentage of 68.51, which underlines her consistent record as a leader.

With the bat, Oza has appeared in 117 WT20Is, accumulating 3,403 runs at an average of 34.72 and a strike rate of 119.69. She has scored five centuries and 14 fifties across that span, making her a key figure in UAE's batting line-up as they prepare to compete on home soil.

How tough is UAE's group stage challenge at the Women's Asia Cup 2026?

UAE face a demanding group stage, beginning with a match against Sri Lanka, the defending Women's Asia Cup champions. The two sides have met previously on UAE soil, and the hosts will be eager to go one better this time around, as the squad's own words reflect.

"We’re all really excited to play in front of our families and friends," said Oza.

UAE will also take on Bangladesh and Indonesia in Group B before the knockout stage, which begins with the semi-finals on September 10 and 11, 2026.

UAE squad for Women's Asia Cup 2026

Esha Oza (c), Archara Supriya, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Janani Thirukkumaran, Lavanya Keny, Mehul Kulkarni, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish, Uttara Iyer, Vaishnave Mahesh