In a dominant all-round performance, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women achieved a convincing 10-wicket victory over Uganda Women in the 14th match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025, held at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground in Bangkok. With strong bowling and a smooth chase, the UAE left little room for Uganda to mount a fightback.
Uganda’s innings started with energy, but they could never find the momentum they needed. Janet Mbabazi opened for Uganda and provided the best spark with a determined 16 runs off 26 balls before she was dismissed by Michelle Botha, who bowled with precision and took two wickets in her four-over spell. Esther Iloku joined Mbabazi and managed only 9 runs off 13 balls before falling to Botha, leaving Uganda in trouble early on.
As Uganda’s middle order came in, they struggled to form effective partnerships. Immaculate Nakisuuyi was trapped by Vaishnave Mahesh for just 1 run, while Rita Musamali (7 off 9) and Stephani Nampiina (a duck) followed suit, also falling to Mahesh, who proved to be a significant challenge for Uganda. Prosscovia Alako made a brief attempt to stabilise at the crease with 12 runs from 18 deliveries, but Heena Hotchandani bowled her out, tightening the grip on Uganda even more.
By the time Concy Aweko arrived at the crease, Uganda was under significant pressure; she managed 9 runs off 12 balls but was dismissed by Hotchandani as well. Kevin Awino remained unbeaten with 13 runs from 30 balls, but with wickets falling around her, Uganda could only manage 75 for 8 in their 20 overs, a target well within the reach of the UAE.
The UAE bowlers delivered a clinical and disciplined performance. Vaishnave Mahesh stood out with impressive figures of 3 for 21, applying early pressure on Uganda’s batters. Michelle Daleen Botha was also effective, taking 2 for 6, while Heena Hotchandani matched her efforts with 2 wickets for just 10 runs.
The tight bowling from both Botha and Hotchandani meant Uganda found no relief, and every batter felt the pressure. Samaira Dharnidharka, Athige Silva, and Suraksha Kotte supported well, keeping things tight and thwarting any potential recovery.
Chasing a modest 76, the UAE made quick work of Uganda’s total. The chase was solidified by a steady opening partnership between captain Esha Oza and Theertha Satish. Oza played a remarkable innings, scoring 48 not out off just 30 balls, featuring seven boundaries and a six, while Satish complemented her with 22 not out from 20 deliveries. Together, they sealed the win in just 8.2 overs without losing a single wicket, showcasing both composure and fluidity in their batting.
On Uganda’s side, their bowlers tried hard under pressure but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Kevin Amuge opened with the first over for just 6 runs, and Concy Aweko bowled two overs for 18 runs. Immaculate Nakisuuyi returned to bowl two overs, conceding 14 runs, while Malisa Ariokot and Sarah Akiteng contributed but could not make the significant inroads needed.
This match highlights the UAE’s dominance in both the batting and bowling departments. Their bowlers set a crucial tone early on by dismantling Uganda’s batting lineup, and the UAE batters responded with a confident and efficient chase. Esha Oza’s unbeaten innings earned her the Player of the Match title, as she led from the front in both her captaincy and batting. Uganda, on the other hand, will reflect on their inability to build partnerships and withstand the disciplined UAE attack.
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