In a disciplined and clinical performance, Scotland Women comfortably chased down the target against Namibia Women, winning by seven wickets in the 15th match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025-26 at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground in Bangkok. From the beginning, Scotland’s bowlers set the tone, and their batters capped off the game with ease, highlighting their strong form in the tournament.
The match kicked off with Scotland choosing to field after winning the toss, a decision that quickly proved to be the right one. Namibia’s innings never gathered any momentum, as Scotland’s bowling attack relentlessly applied pressure on every batter. By the time Namibia was all out for a mere 74 runs in just 16.2 overs, they had struggled to form any significant partnerships.
Opening batter Sune Wittmann got off to a rocky start, departing for just 1 run in the very first over, bowled by Rachel Slater. Namibia’s middle order made attempts to stabilise, but the contributions remained modest. Edelle Van Zyl chipped in with a lacklustre 12 runs off 16 balls, while Yasmeen Khan added 6 to the tally.
Merzerly Gorases managed just 1, and Mekelaye Mwatile showed a touch of resistance with 15 not out from 32 balls. Wilka Mwatile chipped in with another 6, but no one else could mount a significant challenge, leaving the team to crumble under pressure. Extras accounted for 14 runs, mainly through wides and no-balls, but it still fell short of providing Namibia with a defendable total.
Scotland’s bowlers were in exceptional form, sharing the wickets and maintaining tight lines throughout the match. Katherine Fraser was the standout performer, boasting remarkable figures of 3 for 9 in her four overs, effectively choking Namibia’s batting and triggering their collapse. Abtaha Maqsood complemented her performance with 3 for 20 in 3.2 overs, while Rachel Slater claimed 1 for 10 in her two overs. Mollie Parker also contributed, taking 1 for 19 in her full allocation.
Chasing a modest target of 75, Scotland’s response was smooth and composed. The opening stand was laid by Darcey Carter and Ailsa Lister. Carter made a calculated 21 runs off 22 balls, while Lister added a steady 7 off 9, keeping the chase well on track. The game took a decisive turn with Sarah Bryce, who delivered a blazing innings, scoring 36 not out off just 17 deliveries, complete with seven boundaries. Her quick-fire innings put Scotland firmly in command.
Megan McColl then came in to finish the job swiftly; she played just two balls, hitting a six over the boundary, ensuring Scotland crossed the line with almost half the overs to spare. The chase wrapped up in just 8.4 overs, with Scotland finishing at 76 for 3.
For Namibia, Naomi Benjamin was the standout bowler, claiming 2 important wickets for 15 runs in 2.4 overs, but the rest of the attack couldn’t build on this effort. Mekelaye Mwatile bowled one over, conceded 13 runs, and took 1 wicket, while Eveleen Kejarukua and Wilka Mwatile bowled economically but failed to secure any breakthroughs.
The key turning points in the match were evident: Scotland’s initial decision to bowl paid off immediately, with early wickets putting Namibia on the back foot. The combined pressure from Fraser and Maqsood left Namibia with no platform to build their innings. During the chase, Bryce’s rapid accumulation of runs coupled with Carter’s steady anchoring made the task appear far easier than it actually was.
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