- Uganda- W 111/6 in 20 Overs (Proscovia Alako 34, Stephanie Nampiina 21; Silver Siegers 2/12)
- Netherlands- W 112/4 in 14.5 Overs (Sterre Kalis 32, Babette De Leede 17; Kevin Amuge 2/13)
Netherlands- W won by 6 wickets
Uganda’s Victoria Pearls ended their first ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy campaign with a spirited fight but fell short against a sharp Netherlands side in Bangkok on Sunday morning, sealing a sixth place finish in the 8 team tournament.
The Dutch, still in contention for the title, showed their intent early. After winning the toss, they sent Uganda in to bat, immediately testing an unchanged Pearls lineup.
Uganda’s start was shaky. Esther Iloku departed early, and captain Janet Mbabazi, who had looked in good touch was dismissed in unfortunate fashion when the ball rolled back onto her stumps. At 26 for 2 after the powerplay, the Pearls needed calm heads.
Proscovia Alako and Stephanie Nampiina provided exactly that. Their stand was Uganda’s most fluent of the tournament, mixing patience with clean hitting.
Photo by: Sameer G. Bhalekar / CREIMAS
Nampiina chipped in with 21, while Alako anchored superbly, finishing unbeaten on 34. She burst to life in the final over, smashing 19 runs to lift Uganda to 111 for 6, their best batting effort of the tournament.
But the Pearls needed early wickets to make the total count. Kevin Amuge struck in the first over, only for the Netherlands to respond with quick boundaries.
Consy Aweko added another breakthrough, but the Dutch remained in control, cruising to 51 in the powerplay.
Babette de Leede (17) and the in-form Sterre Kallis (32) guided the chase with ease, keeping Uganda under pressure throughout.
Despite losing a couple more wickets, the Netherlands crossed the line inside 15 overs, claiming their fifth win and a top four finish.
For Uganda, the match was a mix of promise and frustration. Their batting finally came together, with Alako showcasing her timing and range, especially in the closing stages.
Yet the total wasn’t enough against higher-ranked opposition, a reminder of the gap the Pearls must close to consistently challenge top emerging nations.
Uganda’s two wins and sixth-place finish put them ahead of fellow African teams but also underline the work ahead.
The 2025 event revealed both the progress in Uganda’s women’s cricket programme and the room for growth.
With the Emerging Nations Trophy now annual, the Pearls have a clear pathway. By 2026, Uganda will hope the lessons from Bangkok turn into tighter performances, more wins and a stronger finish.
