Tanzania pulled off a thrilling win over Namibia by 8 wickets in Match 3 of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025, held on Thursday, 20th November. Namibia, having won the toss, opted to bat first but found themselves under intense pressure from Tanzania’s disciplined bowling attack and agile fielding.
The Namibia innings was anchored by Sune Wittmann, who played the captain’s knock, scoring 53 runs off 50 balls with five boundaries and three sixes at a steady strike rate of 106. Despite her resilience, Namibia faced regular setbacks as Tanzania’s bowlers kept things tight throughout their 20 overs.
Kayleen Green showed some defiance with a patient 20 off 32 balls, while Yasmeen Khan chipped in with a brisk 14 off 12, but wickets at regular intervals stunted Namibia’s momentum. Pierce Kamunya was instrumental with the new ball, finishing with impressive figures of 1 wicket for 19 runs in 4 overs. She was wonderfully supported by Nasra Saidi, who kept things economical, conceding just 16 runs in her 4 overs and picking up a crucial wicket.
Mwanamvua Ushanga took 2 wickets, Jenipher Kimaro took 1 wicket. Tanzanian bowlers chipped in, ensuring Namibia never built any real partnerships. Some late middle order hitting by Edelle Van Zyl (11 from 9 balls) and Jurriene Diergaardt (10* off 10) took Namibia to 118 for 5 in their full quota.
Tanzania chased 119 for victory in just 17 overs, Tanzania started confidently. The openers made the most of the powerplay, with Saum Mtae playing a match-defining knock. Mtae remained unbeaten on 55 from 45 balls, striking four boundaries and clearing the ropes twice.
She kept the run rate up and rotated the strike efficiently, providing the backbone for Tanzania’s run chase. Fatuma Kibasu gave solid support with a gutsy 26 off 31 balls. Hudaa Omary also played a crucial cameo, hitting 28 runs off just 26 deliveries to keep the pressure on Namibia’s bowlers.
Namibia’s bowlers, despite their best efforts, failed to make significant inroads, and their fielding could not stem Tanzania’s momentum. Victoria Hamunyela was the most expensive bowler, giving away 28 runs in 3 overs, while Eveleen Kejarukua conceded 22 in her 3.
The only breakthrough came from Victoria Hamunyela, who dismissed Kibasu, and Jurriene Diergaardt who momentarily halted Tanzania’s surge by removing captain Neema Pius cheaply. However, with wickets in hand and a sensible batting approach, Tanzania steadily closed in on the target.
The match winning moment came with plenty of balls to spare as Tanzania reached 119 for 2 in just 17 overs, finishing with a flourish and sealing a comprehensive 8 wicket win. Saum Mtae’s unbeaten fifty was the standout that made her the player of the match, earning her plaudits for guiding the chase with maturity.
Namibia, despite Sune Wittmann’s determined half century, will rue their inability to capitalize on starts and build larger partnerships. As the tournament progresses, Tanzania’s clinical run chase and spirited team effort set a strong tone for their campaign, while Namibia will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
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