In a highly unusual and innovative move during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, the UAE women’s cricket team retired out all 10 of their batters after reaching 192/0 in just 16 overs against Qatar. This tactic was employed to save time and ensure a result in the face of looming rain, as T20 cricket does not allow for a formal declaration like in Test matches.
What Happened
- UAE openers Esha Oza (113 off 55 balls) and Theertha Satish (74 off 42 balls) put on a record-breaking 192-run stand in 16 overs.
- With heavy rain and thunderstorms threatening to wash out the match, coach Ahmed Raza checked with officials about declaring the innings, which is not permitted under T20 rules.
- Instead, the team decided that every batter would “retire out”-a legal but rarely used mode of dismissal-allowing them to end their innings immediately after 16 overs without facing another ball.
- Each incoming batter padded up, walked to the crease, and retired out without facing a delivery, resulting in a final score of 192 all out with eight batters recording 0(0) on the scorecard.
- This is the first time in international T20 cricket (men’s or women’s) that all 10 batters have been retired out in a single innings.
The Outcome
- UAE’s bowlers then dismissed Qatar for just 29 runs in 11.1 overs, sealing a massive 163-run victory.
- The tactic not only secured the win but also gave UAE a significant net run rate boost and ensured they remained in control of their qualification prospects.
Why Was This Done?
- The main motivation was to beat the weather and ensure the match reached the minimum five overs required in the second innings for a result to be possible.
- With no option to declare, retiring out all batters was the only way to end the innings quickly and get the required overs in before rain could intervene.
A unique tactic from UAE at the Women’s #T20WorldCup Asia Qualifier with 10 batters ‘Retired Out’ in a massive 163-run victory
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https://t.co/mA95gYToQE pic.twitter.com/xfHe2bQxaY
— ICC (@ICC) May 11, 2025
Reaction
- The move was within the laws of cricket and was communicated to match officials beforehand.
- Coach Ahmed Raza emphasized that the decision was made purely for tactical reasons and not to disrespect the opposition or the game.
Summary Table
| Tactic | Description | Ouotcome |
| 10 batters retired out | All batters retired out after 16 overs at 192/0 to save time and avoid rain disruption | 192 all out, no wickets lost |
| Result | Qatar bowled out for 29 in 11.1 overs | UAE won by 163 runs |
| Significance | First instance of all 10 batters retired out in international T20 cricket | Secured win, boosted NRR |
This unprecedented tactic by the UAE women’s team is a prime example of creative thinking within the boundaries of cricket’s laws, ensuring both sporting and strategic advantage in a rain-threatened qualifier.
