In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025 in Bangkok, Uganda Women narrowly defeated Papua New Guinea Women by just four runs, with the match hanging in the balance until the very end. After winning the toss, Uganda decided to bat first, setting an early tone with solid performances from their skipper and a disciplined bowling effort to defend a modest total.
Uganda’s innings started with a steady, albeit cautious approach as captain Janet Mbabazi led from the front, anchoring the innings with a measured 60* off 58 balls, featuring five boundaries and a six. Her gritty performance under pressure was pivotal as she partnered with Immaculate Nakisuuyi, who contributed a valuable 20 off 32 balls. The duo formed a 74-run partnership that brought crucial stability to the innings after the early loss of Esther Iloku for just 5 runs, leaving Uganda at 25 for 1 in the fourth over.
As the innings progressed, Uganda continued to push forward, with valuable contributions from Stephani Nampiina, scoring 13 off 8 balls, and Rita Musamali, who added a quick 5 off 8. Although the fall of wickets created some concern, particularly after the second wicket fell at 74 runs, Uganda managed to finish their innings at 117 for 4 in 20 overs. Extras also played a role, with 12 runs in total coming from 2 byes, 2 no-balls, and 8 wides, providing a slight boost to their total.
On the bowling front for PNG, there were some breakthroughs, but it wasn’t enough to derail Uganda’s innings. Henao Thomas was effective, finishing with figures of 1 wicket for 18 runs in her 4 overs with an economy of 4.50. P Siaka bowled 4 overs for 23 without a wicket, while I Toua conceded 22 runs in her 3 overs with an economy of 7.33. D Lohia had tight figures of 1 wicket for just 9 runs in 2 overs with an economy of 4.50. Despite these efforts, the Ugandan batters managed to establish a solid foundation.
As Papua New Guinea began their chase, they approached it with intent. Openers Naoani Vare and Brenda Tau started cautiously, but Vare’s dismissal for 9 in the 4th over marked a shift in dynamics. Brenda Tau stood firm, scoring 23 off 35 balls with three boundaries. She found a good partner in Henao Thomas, who played aggressively for 27 off 29 balls, including three fours and two sixes, showcasing some excellent counterattacking play. Their partnership of 38 runs brought PNG to 51 before Thomas was dismissed in the 11th over.
PNG’s hopes brightened further with Pauke Siaka stepping up, delivering a spectacular performance with 39 off just 23 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes. Her explosive batting brought PNG back into contention, creating a partnership of 37 runs with Tau in the crucial closing overs. However, despite the run flow, Uganda’s bowlers held their composure in the dying moments of the game.
The key moment arrived when Siaka was trapped lbw by Mbabazi in the 19th over, leaving PNG at a precarious 111 for 7. Despite needing just six more runs to clinch victory off 3 balls, they ultimately finished at 113 for 7 after their 20 overs, falling just four runs short. In terms of bowling, Uganda’s standout performers were Kevin Amuge, who finished with impressive figures of 2 wickets for just 11 runs in her 4 overs with an economy of 2.75, effectively putting the brakes on PNG’s scoring.
Immaculate Nakisuuyi contributed with 1 wicket for 14 runs in 4 overs with an economy of 3.50, while Malisa Ariokot claimed 1 wicket for 21 runs with an economy of 5.25. Concy Aweko bowled 4 overs, conceding 30 runs for 1 wicket and maintaining an economy of 7.50. Mbabazi, despite conceding 21 runs in 2 overs, took two crucial wickets at the end, proving to be decisive in sealing the victory for her team.
Ultimately, the match delivered excitement and drama, with Uganda’s steady batting led by Mbabazi and Nakisuuyi providing a strong foundation, while PNG’s spirited fightback, particularly from Siaka, made for an exhilarating finish. For Uganda, this victory breeds optimism; for PNG, while there is much to learn from their performance, particularly in the closing overs, there were also promising signs in their batting display.
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