Entire UAE Team Times Out in a T20 Game
UAE Skittle Qatar for 29 in Bold Tactic, Sparks Spirit-of-Game Debate
DUBAI: Cricket’s history is full of bizarre instances that leave fans scratching their heads in confusion, and one such instance occurred during the UAE women’s cricket team’s game against Qatar in the ongoing Asia Region T20 World Cup qualifying round.
During the game, the UAE women’s cricket team executed an unprecedented strategy in Bangkok. After amassing a formidable 192 without loss in 16 overs, openers Esha Oza and Theertha Satish retired out. Subsequently, each of the remaining batters walked in and retired out immediately, resulting in all ten batters being marked as ‘retired out’ on the same delivery, 16.1.
The strategy by UAE was aimed at expediting the innings’ conclusion due to a looming rain threat, ensuring a result by allowing sufficient time to bowl at least five overs in the second innings—the minimum required for a result in T20 matches. Since you cannot declare an innings in T20 cricket, UAE’s coach Ahmed Raza had to get creative.
The plan proved effective as UAE bowled out Qatar for 29 in 11.1 overs, securing a significant net run rate boost in the process. This tactic, while within the rules, was unconventional and sparked discussions about its alignment with the spirit of the game.
The incident underscores the complexities of cricket’s laws and the balance between strategic innovation and the game’s spirit. While the Laws of Cricket permit a batter to retire out, such mass retirements are rare and raise questions about sportsmanship and competitive integrity.
Read more: UAE Women’s Cricket Team Awarded ODI Status by ICC
As cricket evolves, this event may prompt governing bodies to revisit regulations to ensure that strategic decisions align with both the letter and the spirit of the game.
UAE Women’s Cricket Team’s Scorecard against Qatar:
| Batting | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | Mode of Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esha Oza (c) | 113 | 55 | 14 | 5 | 205.45 | retired out |
| Theertha Satish † | 74 | 42 | 11 | 0 | 176.19 | retired out |
| Indhuja Nandakumar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | retired out |
| Heena Hotchandani | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | retired out |
| Vaishnave Mahesh | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | retired out |
| Michelle Botha | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | retired out |
| Udeni Dona | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | retired out |
| Athige Silva | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | retired out |
| Katie Thompson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | retired out |
| Lavanya Keny | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | retired out |
| Keziah Miriam Sabin | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | not out |
| Extras | (nb 1, w 4) | 5 |
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