Theertha Satish believes UAE cricket can progress even more rapidly when they get to face the likes of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Asia Cup later this year.
The national women’s team have been on a sharp ascent in recent times. They are undefeated since November last year, equalling England’s world record of 20 T20 international matches without a loss in the process.
The run culminated in them beating Malaysia to win the ACC Women’s T20 Championship in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
By reaching the final, the two sides secured qualification for the Asia Cup. It means India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Thailand lie in wait later this year.
“It is a big moment for all of us,” said Theertha, was named player of the tournament after UAE’s success in Malaysia.
“It will be the first time for all of us to play [in a tournament of that standing].
“It is a big thing for UAE and Malaysian cricket, and hopefully the standard of our cricket will keep improving as we go further.”
The player of the tournament award capped an extraordinary start to international cricket by Theertha.
The 18-year-old opener, who only took up the sport three years ago after being inspired by a movie about cricket, captained the national age-group side to qualification for the Under 19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier in the month.
Since making her T20I debut back in November, she has played 25 matches between the senior and U19 sides, and has yet to lose one.
In the ACC tournament, she scored three half-centuries, including the decisive one in the final which helped UAE chase down the 101 they needed to take the title.
“We just planned to keep our game simple, get the singles and doubles to keep the scoreboard ticking,” Theertha said.
“I think we did it well. We managed to take the singles, and the occasional boundary did come.
“It is down to all the players efforts. The bowling was really good. Only because of them we were able to keep the target to 101.
“That made it easier for the batters to chase it down.”
Chaya Mughal, the captain who has overseen the unprecedented run of success for the UAE team, says they are benefiting from years of hard work.
“This something we have planned for, this is something we have spent our past 15 days [trying for],” Mughal, who is a Dubai-based schoolteacher, said.
“We have been preparing for the past two years, and the reward is now.”
How to help or find other cats to adopt
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: CVT
Power: 170bhp
Torque: 220Nm
Price: Dh98,900
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks
Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
