In a gripping contest at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, Namibia Women narrowly defeated Uganda Women by 12 runs in the 7th match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy. The match was a testament to the pressure and discipline required in close T20 games, with both sides showcasing their skills with both bat and ball at pivotal moments.
Uganda won the toss and chose to bowl first, aiming to keep Namibia’s score in check. However, Namibia’s batting performance was more challenging than expected. Sune Wittmann, the captain, was dismissed for a duck after just two balls, off Kevin Amuge.
Kayleen Green attempted to stabilise the innings with a measured 21 runs off 37 balls, tossing in a couple of boundaries, but the overall scoring rate remained sluggish. Yasmeen Khan provided some support with a slightly quicker 19 runs off 25 balls, including three well-placed fours, yet Namibia struggled to gain momentum.
The middle order struggled for runs; Mekelaye Mwatile managed just 1 run from 2 balls, while Bianca Manuel contributed 2 runs from 6. Wilka Mwatile and Jurriene Diergaardt added 2 and 6 runs, respectively, with Diergaardt hitting one boundary before her dismissal.
Merczerly Gorases showed some tenacity with a score of 10 off 17 balls, but the persistent loss of wickets hampered any significant progress. Towards the end of the innings, Naomi Benjamin played wisely, remaining not out on 18 runs from 17 balls, helping Namibia reach 83/8 after their 20 overs. The extras were minimal, with only 3 runs conceded (2 wides and 1 leg-bye).
Uganda’s bowlers were disciplined throughout the innings. Sarah Akiteng stood out, taking 2 wickets for just 10 runs in her 4 overs, maintaining a tight line and length that disrupted Namibia’s rhythm. Immaculate Nakisuuyi captured 2 wickets for 16 runs in her 4-over spell, dismissing key players like Mwatile and Manuel. Early in the innings, Kevin Amuge claimed 1 for 11 in 3 overs, while Malisa Ariokot also claimed 2 wickets for 12 runs in her 3 overs, demonstrating excellent control amidst the pressure. Janet Mbabazi bowled two economical overs, conceding only 8 runs.
As Uganda began their chase, they faced a daunting task on a slow pitch against smart bowling. Their beginning was cautious, with Janet Mbabazi top-scoring for her team with 15 runs off 37 balls, struggling to establish any rhythm. Esther Iloku was dismissed cheaply for 4 runs, trapped lbw by Eveleen Kejarukua. Immaculate Nakisuuyi showed some fight, contributing 17 runs off 27 balls, including two boundaries before being caught by Yasmeen Khan off Jurriene Diergaardt.
The middle order faltered significantly: Rita Musamali was out without scoring, and Stephanie Nampiina only managed 6 runs off 11 balls before being dismissed. Prosscovia Alako scored 4 runs from 9 deliveries but was bowled by Mekelaye Mwatile. Malisa Ariokot too fell cheaply for 2 as Uganda’s batting lineup stumbled.
In the final overs of the innings, Kevin Awino remained not out on 5 runs off 9 balls, while Concy Aweko also finished unbeaten with 2 runs from 3 balls. Namibia’s extras added up, nearly costing them the game, as they conceded 12 runs (9 wides, 5 leg-byes, and 2 byes).
Namibia’s bowlers stepped up when it mattered most. Leigh-Marie Visser, who ultimately earned the Player of the Match award, was the standout with 3 wickets for just 10 runs in her 4 overs, providing crucial breakthroughs. Mekelaye Mwatile supported her effectively, bagging 2 wickets for only 8 runs in 2 overs, claiming Alako and Ariokot. Naomi Benjamin bowled tightly, allowing just 8 runs in her 4-over spell, while Eveleen Kejarukua added a wicket to her tally, finishing with figures of 1 for 10 in 4 overs.
In the end, Uganda was bowled out for 71/7 in their allotted 20 overs, falling short by 12 runs. Namibia’s disciplined bowling and the composure of their lower order proved decisive in clinching a hard-fought victory.
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