Media365
The United Arab Emirates’ dynamic captain, Esha Oza, has been crowned the ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year for 2024, following an exceptional year with both bat and ball.
Oza was a standout performer throughout the year, dominating at the top of the order and proving invaluable with her off-breaks. Her all-round brilliance played a key role in UAE’s successes, including their victory in the Asian Cricket Council Women’s Premier Cup and a spirited campaign in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.
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Starting the year with a bang, Oza was the leading scorer and Player of the Tournament in the Premier Cup. Her crowning moment came in the final against Malaysia, where she was named Player of the Match for her superb all-round display.
She followed this up with a crucial contribution in the T20 World Cup Qualifier, where her unbeaten 66 off 39 balls against the Netherlands secured UAE’s spot in the knockout stages. In the semi-finals, Oza nearly pulled off an upset against eventual champions Sri Lanka, smashing a valiant 66 off 44 balls in a narrow loss in Abu Dhabi.
Dominating the Stats in 2024
Oza’s numbers for the year underline her impact:
- 711 runs in 20 T20Is at an average of 41.82 and a strike rate of 111.79.
- Her tally included one century and four half-centuries, with a highest score of 114.
- With the ball, she took 16 wickets at an average of 19.68 and an economy rate of 5.41.
Globally, Oza’s 711 runs were bettered only by Chamari Athapaththu (720) and Smriti Mandhana (763), placing her among the elite performers of the year.
A Century of Brilliance
Oza’s standout innings came during the Premier Cup against Oman, where she demolished the opposition with a breathtaking unbeaten century. Her 114 off 69 balls, laced with 16 boundaries, propelled UAE to a formidable 176/1. She followed it up with figures of 1/4 in two overs, sealing a 148-run victory.
Her third international century highlighted her ability to dominate games and anchor her team’s batting.
A Year to Remember
With consistent performances across the year, Oza was a force to be reckoned with, reaching double figures in all but one of her 20 innings. Her contributions lifted UAE cricket to new heights and cemented her legacy as one of the finest associate players in the women’s game.
Esha Oza’s brilliance in 2024 makes her a worthy recipient of the ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year award, celebrating a year of excellence and leadership.
