Netherlands Women held their nerve in a closely fought encounter against Thailand Women to secure a five-wicket victory in the fourth match of Group B at the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 in Ajman on November 12.
Despite Thailand putting up a competitive total of 136/2 in their 20 overs, the Netherlands batters showed composure during the chase, reaching 137/5 in 19.3 overs to seal the contest with three balls remaining. Nattakan Chantham and Nannapat Koncharoenkai were the standout performers for Thailand, while Heather Siegers and Sterre Kalis played important roles in the Netherlands’ response.
Thailand’s Strong Partnership Sets Competitive Total
Thailand Women got off to a difficult start after losing Phannita Maya early in the innings. Maya managed just two runs from four deliveries before being trapped lbw by Heather Siegers, leaving Thailand at 3/1 in 0.5 overs. However, the early breakthrough did little to disrupt Thailand’s plans as Nattakan Chantham joined Nannapat Koncharoenkai at the crease, and the duo gradually took control of the innings.
The second-wicket partnership became the backbone of Thailand’s batting effort. Chantham played a fluent innings of 55 off 47 deliveries, striking five boundaries and a six at a strike rate of 117.02. At the other end, Koncharoenkai provided steady support, rotating the strike and finding boundaries whenever opportunities presented themselves. She remained unbeaten on 54 off 49 balls, including four boundaries. The pair added 91 runs for the second wicket, taking Thailand from 3/1 to 94/2 before Chantham was dismissed in the 13.6-over mark, bowled by Heather Siegers.
Thailand captain Naruemol Chaiwai then joined Koncharoenkai and ensured that the innings did not lose momentum. Chaiwai contributed an unbeaten 22 off 20 deliveries, hitting one boundary, while Koncharoenkai continued to anchor the innings. Their unbroken third-wicket partnership added 42 runs, helping Thailand finish strongly at 136/2 after their allotted 20 overs. The innings also included three extras, with two leg-byes and one wide.
Heather Siegers was the Netherlands’ most successful bowler, claiming 2/15 in her four overs at an impressive economy rate of 3.75. She accounted for both Phannita Maya and Nattakan Chantham, providing her team with important breakthroughs. Suleeporn Laomi picked up one wicket, finishing with figures of 1/25 from four overs, while Onnicha Kamchomphu returned 1/30 in four overs. Iris Zwilling conceded 28 runs in her four overs without a wicket, while Sanya Khurana gave away 15 runs in two overs. Hannah Landheer bowled one over, conceding 13 runs, and Silver Siegers finished with figures of 0/27 from four overs. Despite their efforts, the Netherlands bowlers could not prevent Thailand from posting a challenging total.
Heather Siegers and Sterre Kalis Lead Netherlands’ Successful Chase
In response, the Netherlands Women needed a solid start, and captain Babette de Leede took responsibility at the top of the order. She scored 37 off 39 deliveries, including three boundaries, providing stability during the early stages of the chase. However, Thailand’s bowlers managed to keep the scoring under control before the Netherlands lost their first wicket at 78/1 in 10.6 overs, when de Leede was caught and bowled by Onnicha Kamchomphu.
Heather Siegers continued the momentum with an attacking innings, scoring 42 off just 28 deliveries. Her knock included five boundaries and a six, helping the Netherlands maintain their scoring rate. However, her stay ended at 79/2 in 11.3 overs after a run-out involving Thailand’s Sunida Chaturongrattana and wicketkeeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai. The Netherlands suffered another setback shortly afterwards when Robine Rijke was dismissed for a duck from two deliveries, trapped lbw by Suleeporn Laomi at 80/3 in 11.5 overs.
With the chase still delicately balanced, Sterre Kalis stepped up with an important contribution. She scored an unbeaten 33 off 26 deliveries, striking two boundaries and a six. Phebe Molkenboer added 12 off 13 balls before becoming the fourth wicket to fall at 101/4 in 15.1 overs, caught by Putthawong off Sunida Chaturongrattana’s bowling. Frederique Overdijk then contributed seven runs from five deliveries, including a boundary, before being stumped by Koncharoenkai off Chaturongrattana at 115/5 in 17.1 overs.
Despite losing five wickets, the Netherlands maintained their composure. Kalis found a reliable partner in Iris Zwilling, who remained unbeaten on three off four deliveries. The pair guided their side through the final stages, completing an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 22 runs. Kalis ensured there were no further complications as the Netherlands reached 137/5 in 19.3 overs, completing a five-wicket victory with three balls to spare.
For Thailand, Sunida Chaturongrattana was the leading wicket-taker with figures of 2/26 in four overs. Suleeporn Laomi and Onnicha Kamchomphu claimed one wicket each, finishing with 1/25 and 1/30 respectively. Phannita Maya bowled four overs and conceded 35 runs without a wicket, while Thipatcha Putthawong returned economical figures of 0/20 in 3.3 overs. The Netherlands’ successful chase also reflected the impact of their middle-order contributions, particularly Kalis’ unbeaten knock under pressure.
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