UAE women's cricket team win Gulf Cup

Denzil Pinto 07:31 08/12/2015
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  • We are the champions: The UAE squad celebrate their Gulf Cup triumph in Qatar.

    Women’s national head coach Mohammad Hyder has predicted a bright future for UAE cricket following their Gulf Cup triumph.

    The UAE successfully defended their title in the T20 competition after beating hosts Qatar by five wickets in Doha at the weekend.

    Hyder’s team were on top of their game with Ayesh Naushad taking three wickets as Qatar were all out for 47. Chasing, Chaya Mughal 
    top-scored with 26 as the UAE reached the target inside 10 overs with five wickets to spare.

    The victory meant the UAE remained unbeaten in the tournament with five straight wins. What’s more remarkable is the age group of the 14 girls which travelled to Qatar.

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    More than half of the squad are under 25, including Heena Hotchanfani (14), Kavisha Kumari (12), Aysha Naushad (16), Esha Oza (18), Humaira Tasneem (20) and Priyanjali Jain (21).

    It is for that reason Hyder believes the UAE can become a force in women’s cricket.

    “I cannot complain of their work ethic,” he said.

    “They all put in a lot of hard work in training and as the coach, it’s very difficult to make a team of 11 players because they are all exceptional. All the players are very good and it was hard to even leave anyone out of the final squad.

    “They are all very young and still go to school and that in itself is a big advantage. It’s a fantastic age for them to develop and improve their knowledge. I honestly believe the future of UAE cricket in the women’s game is bright.”

    One problem the Emirates Cricket Board has faced, especially in the men’s game, is that a number of youngsters travel abroad to continue with their further education. But Hyder is not concerned his players will do the same.

    “I’ve already spoken to the players’ parents and they have told me they are very keen for their children to stay and study in the UAE. This really is big news as we can plan ahead for the next five to six months.”

    He added: “The parents deserve a lot of credit for this success. Many players in the squad which travelled to Qatar live in Sharjah, and with training sessions at Dubai’s ICC Academy, the distance is quite far. But even after finishing their work, they take the time to drive their daughters to training which is great.”

    ECB administrator Mazhar Khan says there are plans for the UAE to host next year’s Gulf Cup, which could be extended to eight sides.

    It’s an idea that Hyder fully supports. He said: “The only way of improving as a player and team is by playing more competitive cricket and this idea is one I warmly welcome.”

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