In a tightly contested showdown at the Emerging Nations Cup, Netherlands Women edged past Uganda Women by six wickets, chasing down the target of 112 runs with four wickets in hand inside 15 overs.
The Dutch side, still harboring a faint hope of lifting the title, entered the match with unmistakable resolve.
Uganda, fielding an unchanged line-up, were sent in to bat after the Dutch won the toss.
Early setbacks saw Esther Iloku depart quickly, and captain Janet Mbabazi fell victim to an unfortunate stumping, leaving the Pearls at 26/2 by the end of the powerplay.
A steady partnership between Proscovia Alako (34 not out) and Stephanie Nampiina (21) steadied the innings; Alako’s aggressive 19 runs in the final over lifted Uganda to a respectable 111/6 in 20 overs.
The Dutch reply began with intent. Though Kevin Amuge claimed an early wicket, Babette De Leede (17) and Sterre Kallis (32) took the game to the Ugandan bowlers, racking up 51 runs in the powerplay. Consy Aweko’s efforts at the other end could not halt the momentum.
Despite losing two more wickets, the Netherlands sealed the win comfortably within 15 overs—marking their fifth victory and securing a top‑four finish in the tournament.
Uganda’s Victoria Pearls can take pride in delivering their best batting performance of the campaign.
Alako’s powerful ground strokes and the visible intent across the batting order hint at a ceiling yet to be reached.
Nevertheless, the margin of defeat underscored the gap between the East Africans and the top sides.
Finishing with two wins and placed sixth—just above the other African nations—the Pearls have a clear roadmap ahead.
The lessons from this annual event should fuel a stronger, more competitive campaign when the Emerging Nations Cup returns in 2026.
