In a thrilling encounter at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Women narrowly defeated a determined Netherlands Women’s team by just eight runs during the 16th match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025. The game was marked by fine margins, impressive batting, disciplined bowling, and tense moments in the chase, showcasing how closely contested cricket can be.
PNG won the toss and opted to bat first, but their innings began on a subdued note. Konio Oala got out early for just 4 runs in the first over. However, the team soon found their footing with a crucial partnership that balanced aggression and stability. Hollan Doriga emerged as a standout performer, scoring 39 runs off just 27 balls, adorned with nine exquisite boundaries. Meanwhile, Naoani Vare anchored the innings well, contributing a steady 45* runs from 55 balls. Their partnership was vital, providing the momentum that PNG needed.
After Doriga’s departure, the captain, Brenda Tau, stepped in, playing a responsible and composed innings that saw her finish on 34* off 34 balls. The collective effort from Oala’s start, Doriga’s fireworks, and Tau’s calm leadership allowed PNG to set a competitive target of 126 for 2 within their 20 overs. Their batting was disciplined, with only four extras conceded–two leg byes and two wides.
When it came to bowling, the Netherlands had moments of promise. Iris Zwilling broke the early momentum by dismissing Oala for 4 within her four-over spell, finishing with figures of 1 for 30. Carolien de Lange also made a significant impact by taking the key wicket of Doriga, ending her spell with 1 for 20. Other bowlers, including Robine Rijke, Frederique Overdijk, Silver Siegers, and Isabel van der Woning, contributed to a tight bowling effort, not letting PNG score freely.
In their pursuit of the target, the Netherlands started positively but soon found themselves in a spot of bother with two early wickets down. Phebe Molkenboer managed 10 runs off 8 balls before being stumped, and the team’s captain, Babette de Leede, fell for a duck soon after. However, a solid middle-order partnership between Sterre Kalis and Robine Rijke brought some stability back to their innings. Kalis played a measured inning, scoring 40 runs off 38 balls, while Rijke added 29 from 37 deliveries, and together they forged a 52-run partnership that gave the Dutch innings much-needed stability.
Unfortunately for the Netherlands, once that partnership came to an end, the wheels began to fall off. Frederique Overdijk was run out for 5, Myrthe van den Raad and Iris Zwilling contributed only 4 runs each, and Caroline de Lange tried to keep the innings afloat with 7 runs before falling late in the chase. Sanya Khurana did her best to hold the innings together with a fighting 15 not out off 11 balls, but it ultimately fell short of the target. The Netherlands were bowled out for 118 runs in their 20 overs, agonizingly short of PNG’s score.
From PNG’s bowling perspective, it was Henao Thomas who stood out, ending her spell with impressive figures of 3 for 24. She showed commendable control under pressure. Pauke Siaka matched her performance with 3 for 22, playing a pivotal role during the closing stages of the match and claiming de Lange’s wicket. Mairi Tom and Hane Tau also contributed effectively, with figures of 1 for 23 and 1 for 19, respectively, helping to contain the runs.
Several key moments defined this thrilling match. The partnership between Doriga and Vare was crucial, anchoring the PNG innings, while Tau’s careful finish helped them post a competitive total. On the Dutch side, the stand between Kalis and Rijke showed promise, but losing wickets at regular intervals hampered their chances. Ultimately, the decisive strikes by Thomas and Siaka during the critical death overs sealed the game for Papua New Guinea.
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