Forty-six days after her brother Sanchit did the same for the UAE men’s senior team on the same field, Khushi Sharma made her debut for the women’s national team.
The similarities were many. Each bowled three overs of probing pace at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Both were making their competitive bows in the T20 international format.
One thing set apart 19-year-old Khushi’s big day, though. At the end of it, she was able to toast a win, after the home team got their ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier off to a flying start with a 30-run win over Malaysia.
“It feels great: both siblings playing for UAE is very special,” said Khushi, whose older brother had debuted in a defeat to Ireland last month.
“It felt amazing [to make her senior debut]. We found out yesterday at the team meeting, and I was a little nervous last night but today I felt more excited.
“We have a good blend of seniors and juniors. If ever we get nervous we go and talk it out with a senior player. They are pretty experienced so that helps.”
Even the junior players are adept at settling each others' nerves, it appears. Khushi bowled three tidy overs for 19 runs, after her roommate – and fellow debutant – Theertha Satish had made a decisive 46 with the bat for UAE.
“Theertha and I are both roommates and we were both making our debuts,” Khushi said.
“We were nervous last night, but when we woke up in the morning we were pretty set on what we were supposed to be doing for the team and what our roles are.
“There was enough of a cushion with the runs. Tt meant we weren’t as pressurised as bowlers.
“There might be moments further on in the competition where there will be crucial phases of matches and we will need to sharpen up. As a team we clicked pretty well.”
Theertha’s innings had been a vital one. The left-hander made 46 from 48 balls, and shared in a breezy partnership worth 56 for the second wicket with Esha Oza, who made 33.
That alliance was the backbone of UAE’s innings of 131-4 from their 20 overs.
Even though wickets were difficult to come by, the home team’s defence of that total was comfortable enough.
Venkataraman Subha took 1-19 from four overs, and Kavisha Kumari 1-18, as Malaysia were kept to 101-2 in reply.
Theertha was named player of the match for her efforts, and she was thankful for having a calming influence for a roommate.
“We were trying to comfort each other,” Theertha, 17, said of Khushi.
“We were nervous at night but when we woke up we were fine and trusted our skills, and hoped that would show out there.
“We tried to talk about us believing in ourselves, and about how we deserved to be here. As a player, you will always feel you have to practice more and get better, and no one is satisfied with their game.
“We were trying to convince ourselves that this was our moment and we should take it and enjoy it.”
After victory was sealed, the team were given a debrief by Robin Singh, the head coach of UAE cricket.
The former India allrounder will be flying to Windhoek on Tuesday with the senior men’s team, who will be playing a Cricket World Cup League Two tri-series with Namibia and Oman later this month.
The women’s side were grateful he stopped in to impart some wisdom before departing.
“I think that has helped us for our next game,” Theertha said.
“He is a player who has had so much experience. He knows how to analyse the game better than any of us. Hopefully the tips he gave us can help us a lot.”
Points tally
1. Australia 52; 2. New Zealand 44; 3. South Africa 36; 4. Sri Lanka 35; 5. UAE 27; 6. India 27; 7. England 26; 8. Singapore 8; 9. Malaysia 3
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
MADAME%20WEB
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Breast cancer in men: the facts
1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.
2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash.
3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible.
4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key.
5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
Types of fraud
Phishing: Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
Smishing: The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
Vishing: The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
SIM swap: Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
Identity theft: Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
Prize scams: Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
* Nada El Sawy
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The Gandhi Murder
- 71 - Years since the death of MK Gandhi, also christened India's Father of the Nation
- 34 - Nationalities featured in the film The Gandhi Murder
- 7 - million dollars, the film's budget
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
