Bizarre scenes in World Cup qualifier as nation loses ten wickets in one ball ... and wins

There were bizarre scenes during Saturday’s Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier between the United Arab Emirates and Qatar when ten batters retired out to save time and force a result.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first in Bangkok, the UAE raced towards 0-192 in 16 overs courtesy of a formidable partnership between captain Esha Oza (113 from 55 balls) and opening partner Theertha Satish (74 from 42 balls). Oza reached the century, her fourth in T20Is, in just 51 deliveries.

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However, before the 17th over commenced, Oza and Satish both retired out before each of their teammates padded up and walked out to the middle, retiring without facing a ball. The UAE were subsequently all out for 192 having lost 10-0.

With the looming threat of rain and lightning, UAE coach Ahmed Raza had instructed the controversial move to help avoid a washout, which would damage the nation’s chances of qualifying for the Super Threes. Although cricket teams can declare in first-class matches, there is no such option in T20 encounters, with UAE confident they already had enough runs on the scoreboard.

The gamble paid dividends when UAE bowled out Qatar for 29 in 11.1 overs to secure a thumping 163-run victory. Qatar opener Rizpha Bano Emmanuel top-scored with 20, while seven of her teammates were dismissed for a duck.

“Whilst the innings was going on we started hearing thunder and slight drizzle started,” Raza explained after the match.

“I went to the umpires and checked whether we could declare but in white-ball cricket you cannot declare. I then asked the match referee if I could retire my whole team out.

“With the thunder and drizzle we just had to make sure the whole game was played because the weather has been around.

“At the start of our bowling innings it was already drizzling and we were scared of the thunderstorm. There was not enough time. It was all done purely to get a result.

“By doing this I meant no disrespect to anyone involved, our opposition.

“Everything that happened was within the laws and was well communicated with the match referee.

“This extraordinary series of events should not overshadow our captain’s hundred and our opening stand of 192 and our bowlers doing the remaining job.”

The UAE will next face Malaysia in Bangkok on Monday.

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