In the 9th match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025 at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground in Bangkok, the stage was set for an exciting clash between Tanzania Women and Netherlands Women.
After winning the toss, the Dutch team opted to bowl first, and their decision quickly paid off as they dismantled Tanzania’s batting lineup and chased down the target with over seven wickets to spare.
From the very beginning, Tanzania found itself under pressure. Saum Mtae opened the innings but fell cheaply, scoring just 2 runs off 7 balls, with her dismissal by Iris Zwilling coming in the third over at a score of 10. This early break triggered a batting collapse.
Fatuma Kibasu tried to stabilise the innings, scoring 6 off 12 balls, but she too was soon dismissed, leaving Tanzania reeling at 13/2. The Netherlands bowlers maintained a relentless grip on the game, with Neema Pius falling lbw to Robine Rijke at 15/3 after just 5.5 overs.
There was a brief moment of hope when Hudaa Mrisho Omary emerged as the top scorer for Tanzania, contributing 14 off 18 balls, including a boundary. However, Silver Siegers promptly interrupted this mini resurgence by taking down Jenifer Kimaro lbw for just 3 runs.
Despite some optimism mid-innings, the Dutch bowlers remained unyielding. Zwilling accounted for Perice Kamunya (7) and Saumu Hussein also fell early, while Nasra Saidi finished the innings unbeaten on 14 off 29 balls.
The bowling performance from the Netherlands was nothing short of outstanding, as they consistently took crucial wickets and unsettled the Tanzanian batters. Iris Zwilling led the charge with impressive figures of 3 wickets for just 13 runs in her 4 overs.
Hannah Landheer supported her well, claiming 2 wickets for a mere 3 runs in 2 overs. In addition, Frederique Overdijk and Silver Siegers each took two wickets, while Robin Rijke also contributed with one wicket.
With a target of just 63 runs to chase, the Netherlands quickly shifted gears. Despite the modest target, the Tanzanian bowlers showed flashes of fight. The Dutch started cautiously, with Phebe Molkenboer scoring 4 off 6 before falling to Mwanamvua Hamisi Ushanga at 17/1 in the 2.6th over.
Sterre Kalis then played a crucial role, anchoring the innings with a solid knock of 24 off 29 balls, including 4 boundaries, taking the score to 31/2 by the 7.1 over mark, before her dismissal off Sophia Frank Jerome in the 7.1 over. A few balls apart, Babette de Leede fell for 5, slipping to 35/3.
At 35/3, the Dutch partnership of Robine Rijke (13* off 15) and Frederique Overdijk (16* off 14, with 2 fours) seized control. Their crucial partnership of 28 runs off 27 balls ensured a confident win, wrapped up in just 12.2 overs with 46 balls remaining. Their composed running, sharp boundaries, and clever singles showcased their intent and execution.
On the Tanzanian side, Sophia Jerome was the standout bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 19 runs in her 4 overs, while Mwanamvua Ushanga picked up one wicket for 14 runs in her 4 overs. However, Kizito’s figures of 0 for 25 in 4 overs highlighted a tough outing.
The Netherlands delivered a complete performance, starting with disciplined bowling that left Tanzania all out for just 62, followed by a calm chase with minimal fuss. Key performances included Zwilling’s wicket haul, Overdijk’s economical spell, Siegers’ twin strikes, and Landheer’s late effort.
With Kalis setting a useful foundation, it was ultimately the lower middle-order contributions of Rijke and Overdijk that guided the Netherlands to victory. This win adds valuable momentum to their campaign in the Emerging Nations Trophy, boosting confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures.
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