Unprecedented! All 10 batsmen retire, the team wins the match with 163 runs

In one of the most bizarre moments in T20I history, UAE Women executed a never-seen-before tactic during their match against Qatar in the Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025. After piling on 192 without loss in just 16 overs, UAE—aware of incoming rain—opted to voluntarily retire out every batter in their line-up, effectively ending the innings despite no wickets falling.

Batting first, UAE raced to 192 for 0 in just 16 overs, thanks to a blistering 113 off 55 balls from skipper Esha Oza (14 fours and 5 sixes) and 74 from Theertha Satish. With no formal “declaration” allowed in T20Is, UAE cleverly had each of their batters take the crease only to retire out instantly—a loophole never exploited to this extent at the international level. The rain prediction in Bangkok was at over 50% when the match was going on at the Terdthai Cricket Ground on May 10.

UAE bowlers made light work of Qatar

If the batting spectacle wasn’t enough, UAE backed it up with a ruthless bowling display, dismissing Qatar for just 29 runs in 11.1 overs. Michelle Botha took 3 wickets and Katie Thompson claimed 2, sealing a dominant 163-run victory. UAE are now top of Group B with two big wins and look well on course for qualification. Head coach Ahmed Raza deserves all the plaudits for this innovative win as well!