By Daniel Nyeko
Netherlands Women defeated Uganda’s Victoria Pearls in the 25th match by four wickets in the finale of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, Thailand.
Netherlands captain and wicketkeeper Babette de Leede won the toss and elected to field. Batting first, the Victoria Pearls posted 111 for 6.
Prominent all rounder Proscovia Alako anchored the innings with a patient 34 off 29 at a strike rate of 117 before being run out by Isabel van der Woning in the final over. All rounder Stephanie Nampiina added 22 off 33.
The Dutch bowling attack was led by Silver Siegers with figures of 2 for 12, while Robine Rijke, Frederique Overdijk, and Isabel van der Woning took a wicket each.
In reply, the Dutch lost their openers early but recovered through Robine Rijke’s unbeaten 36 off 31 at a strike rate of 116, alongside Sterre Kalis with 32 off 32, to reach the target in 14.5 overs.
The Victoria Pearls will need to improve their batting consistency, partnership building, and game management under pressure.
Hosts Thailand were crowned inaugural champions of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy after defeating Scotland. The tournament featured Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Scotland, and Netherlands finishing on equal points, with the title decided by net run rate.
Table Standings of Inaugural ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy
- Thailand (Played 7 ,Won 5 ,lost 2,points 10 ,net run rate +1.362)
- United Arab Emirates (Played 7,Won 5,lost 2 ,points 10,net run rate +1.278)
- The Netherlands (Played 7,Won 5,lost 2,points 10 ,net run rate + 0.987)
- Scotland (Played 7,Won 5,lost 2,points 10,net run rate +0.359)
- Papua New Guinea (Played 7 ,Won 4,lost 3,points 8 ,net run rate +0.026)
- Uganda (Played 7,Won 2,lost 5,points 4,net run rate -1.040)
- Namibia (Played 7,Won 1,lost 6,points 2,net run rate -1.345)
- Tanzania (Played 7,Won 1,lost 6, points 2,net run rate -1.649)
