A solid and composed performance by the Netherlands Women led to a well-deserved 27-run victory against Scotland Women in their 24th match of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025-26. The match showcased early control, important partnerships, and incisive bowling spells that proved crucial in determining the outcome.
Opting to bat first, the Netherlands Women approached their innings with caution. Unfortunately, their opening pair couldn’t capitalise on the start, with one batter falling for a duck after just two balls. However, the team rallied back thanks to a pivotal middle-order partnership. Phebe Molkenboer played a key role in stabilising the innings, scoring a classy 32 off 34 balls, including six boundaries, while Babette de Leede chipped in with a quick 15 off 14 balls. These efforts laid a solid foundation for what turned out to be a competitive total.
As the innings progressed, Robine Rijke added valuable runs with a brisk 27 off 19 balls, injecting momentum in the latter stages. The real highlight came from Sterre Kalis, who anchored the innings beautifully, finishing unbeaten on 55 off 44 balls. Her composed knock was punctuated by nine fours and helped lift the Netherlands to a challenging 148 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, Scotland Women began their chase with a sense of optimism but quickly lost that momentum after losing their first wicket in the very first over. This early setback forced them to rebuild methodically, with a significant partnership forming between Katherine Fraser and Sarah Bryce. Fraser managed a composed 39 off 32 balls, while Bryce contributed a steady 31 off 30 balls, serving as the backbone of Scotland’s innings.
Unfortunately for Scotland, once that partnership was broken, wickets began to fall regularly. Megan McColl attempted to revive the innings with a quick 19 off 21 balls, but her dismissal left the lower order struggling to keep up. With minimal contributions from the tail, Scotland could only muster 121 for 8, falling 27 runs short of their target.
The Netherlands’ victory was as much about their batting as it was about their superb bowling performance. Iris Zwilling truly stood out with impressive figures of 3 for 19 in her four overs. Her disciplined bowling and ability to strike early created immediate pressure on the Scottish batters.
Support came from Frederique Overdijk and Caroline de Lange, who both claimed two wickets each. Overdijk’s figures of two for 16 were vital in keeping the run rate low, while de Lange struck just when Scotland was looking to build momentum. Isabel van der Woning also contributed with a key wicket.
The Netherlands executed their strategy well, combining steady batting with aggressive finishing and tight bowling. Their total of 148/7 was well-constructed, and the disciplined bowling effort stifled Scotland’s chase from the outset. With tight lines and early breakthroughs, the Scottish batters never really found their rhythm once the opening partnership was broken.
Although Scotland had moments of resistance, particularly from the Fraser–Bryce stand, they struggled to form substantial partnerships throughout the innings. Ultimately, the Netherlands’ early breakthroughs and Scotland’s inability to accelerate sealed the match in favour of the Dutch team.
Loves all things female cricket