In a low scoring but tightly contested match 2 of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025 in Bangkok, United Arab Emirates Women chased down Papua New Guinea Women’s modest target with relative ease, winning by 8 wickets in just 15.2 overs. It was a game that hinged on early breakthroughs and a composed batting response under pressure.
Papua New Guinea Women, batting first, were never able to build big partnerships. Their innings began shakily: Naoani Vare fell cheaply for 2, caught by UAE’s skipper Satish off Michelle Botha. A little later, Konio Oala also perished early to Samaira Dharnidharka, leaving PNG reeling at 14/2. The batters in the middle order struggled to gain momentum against disciplined UAE bowling, but Brenda Tau stood out.
Tau anchored the innings with a gritty 53 from 55 balls, laced with seven boundaries, offering the only substantial resistance. Her knock, nearly matching a run-a-ball tempo, kept PNG in the fight, especially as wickets continued to tumble at the other end. Other contributors included Henao Thomas, who added 11 before being trapped lbw by Suraksha Kotte, and Pauke Siaka, who chipped in with 15 at a run-a-ball strike rate before being caught off Botha.
Towards the end, Hollan Doriga remained unbeaten on 4 and Isabel Toua on 1, guiding PNG to a total of 94 for 5 in their 20 overs. PNG also conceded six extras (all wides), which underscored some loose discipline in their bowling.
On the bowling front, the UAE were razor-sharp. Samaira Dharnidharka led the attack, finishing with figures of 4-0-17-2, while Michelle Daleen Botha backed her up with 2 wickets for 18 runs in her four overs. Suraksha Kotte was particularly economical, conceding just 9 runs in her four overs and picking up one wicket, and the rest of the bowlers kept things tight, never allowing PNG to free their arms.
Chasing 95, the UAE made a steady start. But they lost Esha Oza early, when she was trapped lbw by Henao Thomas for 14 off 13. Then came a crucial partnership: Theertha Satish and Rinitha Rajith put together a measured stand, taking UAE past the halfway mark in the chase. Satish played the more decisive role; she remained unbeaten on 45 from 41 balls, peppered with six boundaries, showing great poise.
Rajith contributed 16 from 28 before being run out, helping stabilise the chase. In the final overs, Michelle Daleen Botha came in and played a composed cameo of 13 off just 11 balls, striking one boundary. Her late push, combined with Satish’s calm hand, sealed the deal as UAE crossed the line in just 15.2 overs, finishing at 95 for 2.
In terms of their bowling effort, PNG couldn’t replicate the same control they showed with the bat. Henao Thomas picked up the lone wicket of Rohit, but aside from her, the PNG bowlers struggled to break the partnership or choke the scoring.
Loves all things female cricket