The Victoria Pearls closed their ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy campaign in sixth place after a spirited but ultimately insufficient display in their final match against Netherlands at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on November 30.
Sent in to bat after losing the toss, Uganda’s innings never settled into a full stride. The early loss of opener Esther Iloku and captain Janet Mbabazi had the Pearls wobbling at 26 for 2 after the Powerplay. It was another familiar rebuilding job, one they have been tasked with too often during this campaign.
But this time, the scaffolding held longer than expected.
Proscovia Alako and all-rounder Stephanie Nampiina stitched together Uganda’s most purposeful passage of play, combining caution with bursts of aggression. Alako’s unbeaten 34 – including a stunning 19-run final over – injected late belief into the innings, while Nampiina’s steady 21 gave the scoreboard the weight it needed to stay competitive.
Coach Muhumuza, however, felt the side came up ’30 runs short’ on a wicket that improved as the innings progressed.
Guard down
‘We gifted them early wickets,’ he reflected. ‘At this level you must not let your guard down. Tight, disciplined batting would have taken us to about 140, which was the winning score today.’
Netherlands’ chase was ruthless and well-measured. Uganda claimed an early wicket through Kevin Amuge, but the Dutch openers, led by the outstanding Sterre Kalis and Robine Rijke, launched a blistering counterattack. By the end of the Powerplay, the Dutch were cruising at 50 for 2, effectively breaking the back of the chase.
Even with pockets of disciplined bowling, the Pearls could not recover from wayward lines and the 12 extras they conceded. Netherlands sealed the chase inside 15 overs, winning by six wickets and confirming Uganda’s sixth-place finish with two wins from seven matches.
Skipper unfazed
Despite the defeat, skipper Mbabazi reserved praise for her young side.
‘I think the girls came to the party,’ she said. ‘Proscovia (Alako) and Nampiina showed real intent and belief. We just need to learn how to handle pressure moments better and bounce back quickly.’
Uganda’s 111/6 was their second highest total of the tournament – a sign of growth in their batting temperament – but their bowling inconsistencies and the inability to seize key moments against top emerging nations remain areas demanding urgent attention.
Still, the Pearls leave Thailand better informed than they arrived.
‘We have a clear picture now of where we want to go,’ Muhumuza added. ‘We must grow the pool, improve skillsets, and produce bowlers who can survive at this level.’
As Uganda returned home for a brief festive break before January’s revamped programme, there is a sense that while sixth place was not the desired finish, this campaign revealed tactical truths that the group must now convert into long-term gains.
ICC Emerging Nations Trophy 2025
Game By Game Results – Uganda
Scotland 115/9 | Uganda 100/6
Scotland won by 15 runs
Namibia 83/8 | Uganda 71/7
Namibia won by 12 runs
Uganda 117/4 | PNG 113/7
Uganda won by 4 runs
Uganda 75/8 | UAE 76/0
UAE won by 10 wickets
Uganda 55/10 | Thailand 58/2
Thailand won by 8 wickets
Tanzania 54/10 | Uganda 55/3
Uganda won by 7 wickets
Uganda 111/6 | Netherlands 112/4
Netherlands won by 6 wickets
ICC Emerging Nations Trophy 2025 – Points Table
M W L N/R Pts NRR
1. Thailand 7 5 2 0 10 1.362
2. UAE 7 5 2 0 10 1.278
3. Netherlands 7 5 2 0 10 0.987
4. Scotland 7 5 2 0 10 0.359
5. PNG 7 4 3 0 8 0.026
6. Uganda 7 2 5 0 4 -1.040
7. Namibia 7 1 6 0 2 -1.345
8. Tanzania 7 1 6 0 2 -1.649
TALKING POINT
Brave Batters – Uganda’s best batting display came in the final match, a late signal of what might have been possible had they shown similar aggression earlier in the tournament.
Uganda at ICC Emerging Trophy:
Played 7, Won 2 (PNG and Tanzania), Lost 5 (Scotland, Namibia, UAE, Thailand and Netherlands).