Match number 3 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025 will see the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia go head-to-head. UAE Women would love to continue their domination in the T20 format after getting ODI status, while on the other hand, Malaysia Women would want to have their recognition in the cricketing fraternity by putting up a few more spirited, competitive displays.
Squads:
Malaysia Women
Elsa Hunter, Mas Elysa, Nazatul Hidayah Husna, Ainna Hashim, Amalin Sorfina, Mahirah Izzati, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa, Suabika, Aina Najwa, Wan Julia, Aisya Eleesa, Marsya, Nazwah, Nur Dania Syuhada
United Arab Emirates Women
Keziah Miriam Sabin, Rinitha Rajith, Udeni Dona, Esha Oza, Lavanya Keny, Michelle Botha, Theertha Satish, Al Maseera, Athige Silva, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Suraksha Kotte, Vaishnave Mahesh
Players to watch out:
Mas Elysa
The 24-year-old Malaysian batter has been absolutely amazing with the bat as well as handy with the ball whenever required. Elysa has played 59 T20Is, scoring around 990 runs with a strike rate of 86.32 and 4 half-centuries. Her leg break googly deliveries are absolutely tricky for the opposition on the other end. She has picked up 29 wickets in 32 innings with a 5 wicket-haul and best bowling figures of 6 for just 3. Her role in this team would be very crucial going forward.
Ainna Hamizah Hashim
Ainna is an impressive and vital cog of this Malaysian unit. Ainna has scored 468 runs in 56 T20Is and has also picked up 45 wickets at the same time, bowling for Malaysia in 66 innings. Her economy rate is just 5 which gives her bowling great dimension. She has a fifer to her name with the best bowling figures of 5 for 4. She hasn’t been dismissed for a single digit score in her last 9 innings and also picked 9 wickets in her last 9 outings.
Esha Oza
This 27-year-old Indian all-rounder is a key aspect for the UAE national team going ahead into the tournament. Oza has been a consistent contributor with the bat scoring almost 308 runs in her last 10 innings. Not just with the bat, but her bowling consistency also keeps her on top of the table and brings quality to her game. Oza has picked 10 wickets in her last 10 innings with the ball making her a complete package. Oza’s role in taking the side ahead would be absolutely crucial and key.
Michelle Botha
Michelle Botha, a Proteas born player representing UAE on the biggest stage is another fine all-rounder. Botha recently made her international debut for the side and struck well with both bat and ball scoring 44 runs in just 3 games and picking 6 wickets in all. She has scored 67 runs in her last 6 innings in T20s and picked 9 wickets overall in this format. She will be vital with her slow left-arm orthodox bowling which turns out to be lethal and bowling variations.
Pitch:
The Asian Institute of Technology Ground in Bangkok generally favors bowlers, especially pacers, leading to low-scoring matches. The pitch offers good bounce early on, making it challenging for batters, while spinners come into play as the game progresses. Bowlers usually dominate at this venue.
Weather:
No rain interruptions and delays are expected throughout the match. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 36°C and the average humidity would be around 70%, gradually decreasing as the match progresses.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Keziah Miriam Sabin, Esha Oza, Michelle Botha, Elsa Hunter, Mas Elysa, Athige Silva, Heena Hotchandani, Ainna Hashim, Amalin Sorfina, Nur Dania Syuhada, Katie Thompson
Match details:
Date – May 9, 2025
Time –12:00 PM IST
Venue – Asian Institute of Technology Ground, Bangkok
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
