UAE Women Use Rare Retired Outs Tactic to Beat Qatar by 163 Runs in T20 Qualifier

In a remarkable and unprecedented tactic during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Regional Qualifiers in Bangkok, the UAE women’s cricket team secured a commanding 163-run victory over Qatar by employing a rare 'retired out' strategy to counter an impending rain threat. After scoring an unbeaten 192 runs in just 16 overs, with captain Esha Oza contributing a powerful 113 runs and Theertha Satish 74, the UAE batters deliberately retired out one after another without facing a ball, effectively ending their innings early since T20I rules prohibit declarations. This innovative move ensured sufficient time to bowl out Qatar, who were dismissed for a mere 29 runs, including seven ducks, as every UAE bowler took wickets, with Michelle Botha taking three. The tactic marked the first instance in T20 International history where an entire team retired out, resulting in a record 15 ducks in the match, the most ever in women’s T20Is. UAE’s coach Ahmed Raza confirmed the legality and sportsmanship of the strategy, emphasizing it was designed purely to secure a result amid weather concerns without disrespecting the opposition. This victory propelled UAE to the top of their group, advancing them to the Super 3 stage and keeping their hopes alive for qualification to the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England.