The United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeated Netherlands in the opening match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) women's world T20 qualifiers here on Saturday.
Making their first appearance in the qualifiers, the UAE stunned the hosts registering a comprehensive six-wicket victory in an absolutely thrilling contest.
Batting first, Netherlands put up a hefty score of 137 on the board as their opening batsman Sterre Kalis contributed 88 runs to the scorecard.
The Dutch nation started their defence well, with the UAE needing 8.50 runs per over at one point. It was then that UAE right-hand batter Nisha Ali started attacking. She along with another batter Chaya Mughal, brought the UAE back into the game.
Reflecting on her performance, Player of the match Nisha said that the game was very important for the team and she is happy that she contributed when it was needed.
"It was an important game, we wanted to start the tournament with a win. I am very happy as I believe our team is good at chasing and today we proved it. Our team spirit is tremendous; the way we have been playing is so good to see," Ali said.
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" The team is very happy for me as they wanted me to perform, if I chip in with runs it is very important. We have an important game tomorrow and we will focus on that," she added.
Nisha eventually fell for a 59-ball 69 to Caroline de Fouw, whose third over saw two wickets fall and cost just five, setting up a tense finish, with 18 runs required off the last two balls. There were missed run-outs, risky singles, and swings of fortune galore.
In the end, it were UAE who held their nerve till the end and won their opening fixture against the hosts.
Meanwhile, Ireland, Bangladesh and Scotland thrashed their respective opponents to move further in the qualifiers.