Oza to captain UAE in home Asia Cup bid

Esha Oza will once again captain the UAE as the hosts unveiled their squad for the Women’s Asia Cup, beginning Friday in Dubai. Drawn in Group B, the UAE face defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia in a challenging pool. Oza, named ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year in 2022, said the team is eager to perform in front of home supporters, recalling a narrow loss to Sri Lanka two years ago that fuels their determination.

The UAE open their campaign on Saturday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where Oza hopes the home crowd can provide an extra lift. The squad aims for a top‑two finish to secure a place in the semi‑finals starting on 10 September. With growing confidence and the advantage of familiar conditions, the UAE believe they can make a strong push in the tournament. For Oza, leading her side on home soil is both an honour and a motivating challenge.