Emerging Nations Cup | Uganda W v Netherlands W
- Uganda 111/6
- Netherlands 112/4
- Netherlands won by 6 wickets
Photo by: Sameer G. Bhalekar / CREIMAS
Uganda’s Victoria Pearls could not finish on a winning note against a determined Dutch side that had an outside chance of winning the Emerging Nations Cup if they defeated the East Africans.
The Victoria Pearls will be proud to have put on their best batting performance of the tournament. Uganda fielded an unchanged team and were asked to bat first by the Dutch, who won the toss.
Esther Iloku departed early, and Captain Janet Mbabazi was looking in good touch before an unfortunate dismissal when a ball rolled to her stumps, leaving Uganda at 26/2 by the end of the powerplay.
Photo by: Sameer G. Bhalekar / CREIMAS
The partnership between Proscovia Alako (34 not out) and Stephanie Nampiina (21) moved the needle for Uganda; the former plundered 19 runs off the final over to move the total to 111/6 in the 20 overs.
In the run chase, the Dutch girls came out with intent and were on the attack immediately. Kevin Amuge struck in the first over but went for two boundaries in the same over.
Consy Aweko struck at the other end as well but that was what the Victoria Pearls got; the Netherlands scored 51 in the powerplay with Babette De Leede (17) and Sterre Kallis (32) taking the game to the Uganda bowlers.
Despite losing two more wickets in the run chase, the win was secured inside 15 overs for the Dutch. A fifth win for the girls in Orange to secure a top-four finish at the tournament.
The Victoria Pearls with a fine batting performance, but not enough runs. There were signs of intent, an indication of the amount of ceiling the team has. Alako showed her element and range hitting, especially her powerful ground stroke play, which was useful at the back end.
Uganda finished with two wins and in sixth place, just above the two other African nations, a sign that there is still a lot of work to do for them to catch up with the rest.
Photo by: Sameer G. Bhalekar / CREIMAS
This is an annual event and when it comes around in 2026, they should have learned their lessons and pick up more wins. The losses to the top sides showed how much work they have to do to close the gap on them quickly. There is so much work that has been done with the girls but there is still a lot of work to be done.
