The UAE defeated Indonesia by six wickets on Friday at the Dubai International Stadium to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Women's Asia Cup alive. Heena Hotchandani took 2-6, while Suraksha Kotte took three wickets as Indonesia was dismissed for 73. The UAE reached the target with 41 balls remaining, with Esha Oza scoring 30.
Hotchandani took a catch off Kotte's second delivery with Indonesia already two wickets down for a single run. Oza and Vaishnave Mahesh each took two wickets alongside Hotchandani in the dominant performance.
All-rounder Khushi Sharma watched from the UAE dugout, continuing a long recovery from a knee injury sustained during the previous Asia Cup in Sri Lanka two years ago. Sharma has undergone multiple operations since the injury and remains unable to play.
Hotchandani said Sharma's presence helped team morale despite her inability to take the field. "Having her around the team, cheering us on the way out, whenever batters are walking in, just in terms of morale, I think that really helps us," Hotchandani said.
The UAE's progression depends on the outcome of Sri Lanka's match against Bangladesh in the group stage. If Sri Lanka wins, the final pool match between the UAE and Bangladesh will determine who advances to the knockout phase.
