Emerging Nations Trophy: Victoria Pearls fall short as Scotland seal win in opener

ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, 2025 

• Scotland 115/9 in 20 Overs ( Darcey Carter 54*, Megan McColl 32; Janet Mbabazi 3/17)

• Uganda 100/6 in 20 Overs (Immaculate Nakisuuyi 36, Esther Iloku 24; Priyanaz Chatterji 2/26, Abtaha Maqsood 2/20)

Scotland won by 15 runs 

Uganda’s Victoria Pearls showed fight but couldn’t chase down Scotland’s total, falling 15 runs short in their ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy match at the Terdthai Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Scotland chose to bat and posted 115 for 9, thanks largely to a calm, unbeaten 54 off 50 from Darcey Carter. 

She steadied the innings as Uganda chipped away with wickets. Megan McColl added a lively 32 off 22 with six boundaries, helping Scotland push past 100.

Uganda’s bowling was disciplined throughout. Janet Mbabazi led with a brilliant 3 for 17, while Immaculate Nakisuuyi and Consy Aweko kept things tight, each striking once and maintaining pressure. 

Uganda’s sharp fielding earned three run-outs, Rachel Slater, Chloe Abel and Olivia Bell all fell to quick reactions from the Pearls.

The chase started badly when captain Mbabazi fell for a duck in the second ball. But opener Esther Iloku (24 off 33) and Nakisuuyi (36 off 42) steadied the innings with a patient stand.

Nakisuuyi anchored the pursuit, but her departure at 74 for 3 in the 14th over stalled the momentum. 

Rita Musamali added an unbeaten 20 off 24 to keep hopes alive, but Scotland’s bowlers tightened the screws, restricting Uganda’s boundary options and sealing control.

Priyanaz Chatterji and Abtaha Maqsood each took two wickets as Uganda closed on 100 for 6.

Despite moments of resolve especially in the middle overs, the early wobble and lack of late acceleration proved decisive.

After the match, captain Mbabazi reflected on the team’s effort; On her bowling performance and Uganda’s strong first half, she said,

“Yeah, I think in the beginning it worked out. Consy bowled really well in the Powerplay and we needed her to. She was amazing. Kevin Amuge as well with the new ball, so yeah, I’m happy with that.”

Asked about the chase and Scotland’s composed finish, she responded,

“Well done to the team, they’re amazing. We’ve played them before and most of us look up to their players, they’re a really great side but tough luck to my team, we just didn’t get that second partnership to build pressure on the bowlers, It’s something we’ll work on.”

The Pearls return to action on Friday, November 21, against Namibia at the same venue. Play starts at 9:45am (EAT).