In a game that’s all about cross cultural interaction, it’s always beautiful when a talented player adds to further diversity.
One such player is a force who’s adding more power to the women’s game and quite frankly, is already going great guns at such a young age.
Her name is Mahika Gaur and given what’s she’s already done despite minimal cricket experience, it seems, she’s here to stay.
This young left-arm fast bowler, despite her Indian heritage, has made a name for herself representing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in women’s cricket. Born in England on March 9, 2006, Gaur’s journey is as confusing as it is fascinating, with her rapid rise through the ranks capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Mahika Gaur etched her name in history by representing two national teams. At the youthful age of 18, she marked her debut for the England cricket team against Sri Lanka. This momentous occasion took place on August 31st at County Ground, Hove, in the first match of a three-game T20I series.
During her impressive debut, Mahika delivered a spectacular bowling performance, capturing a crucial wicket while conceding only sixteen runs in a mere two-over spell. Her efforts contributed significantly to England Women’s victory in the first T20I against Sri Lanka Women, securing a 12-run win through the DLS method.
Despite her promising start, Mahika didn’t have the opportunity to showcase her skills in the second T20I, which England lost by eight wickets. As the series stands at a crucial juncture, the third T20I scheduled for September 6th looms as the ultimate decider. All eyes will be on whether Mahika Gaur will be part of the lineup for this pivotal match.
Early Years and International Debut
From a young age, Mahika Gaur demonstrated an affinity for cricket, fueling her dreams of representing her adopted home, the UAE, on the international stage. Her passion for the sport led her to make her debut for the UAE senior women’s team at the tender age of 12. On January 19, 2019, she played her first match against Indonesia in Bangkok, marking the beginning of a promising career.
Playing for UAE
Gaur’s career statistics reflect her dedication and determination to succeed in the sport she loves. As a left-arm fast bowler, she brings a unique skill set to the UAE women’s team. In her 19 WT20I matches, she has claimed nine wickets at an economy rate of 5.15. Her breakthrough year was 2022, where she showcased her talent by taking eight wickets in 11 matches, solidifying her reputation as a valuable asset for the team.
Missed Opportunity in Women’s IPL
Despite her remarkable performances, Gaur encountered a setback when she missed out on being selected for the women’s Indian Premier League (IPL) due to an administrative oversight. Nevertheless, this disappointment only served to fuel her determination and strengthen her resolve to prove her worth on the international stage.
Recognition and International Opportunities
Mahika Gaur’s exceptional talent has not gone unnoticed. She has been heralded as one of the brightest upcoming names in women’s cricket. The cricketing world eagerly anticipates her inclusion in the England A squad set to face Australia A, an evidence to her growing reputation and potential. This opportunity will provide her with valuable exposure and experience against high-quality opposition.
Influences and Role Models
In her formative years, Gaur found inspiration in the playing style of Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc. Some would say, given the two are giants, literally speaking, this hardly comes as a surprise.
As a young left-arm bowler herself, she admires Starc’s ability to swing the ball and generate pace, constantly seeking to refine her own skills by studying his technique.
Club and Domestic Cricket
Gaur’s cricketing journey extends beyond international representation. She has played for the Manchester Originals (Women) team, further honing her skills in a competitive and challenging environment.
Additionally, she has featured prominently for the UAE Women’s team at the under-19 level, highlighting her potential to become a future leader in women’s cricket.
Mahika Gaur’s story is a proof to the global nature of cricket and the power of determination. Despite being born in England, she has found her place in the UAE women’s cricket team, winning hearts with her exceptional talent and performances.
With her left-arm bowling prowess and an ever-growing list of achievements, Gaur is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.
As she continues to rise through the ranks, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await her future exploits, knowing that she represents the true spirit of the game – a unifying force that transcends borders and cultures.
Note- image taken from Twitter.
