Netherlands and Uganda record first wins

Two more matches of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier were decided on Saturday afternoon in Abu Dhabi. Netherlands started their campaign in an emphatic manner, outplaying Vanuatu and winning by 100 runs at Tolerance Oval, while Uganda bounced back strongly from their opening day loss, beating United States of America (USA) by eight wickets at Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Sterre Kalis (70) dazzled with the bat for the Netherlands in their big win, while Uganda’s Immaculate Nakisuuyi (68 not out) led the charge in her team’s successful outing.

Vanuatu vs Netherlands

The Netherlands recorded a comprehensive win in their first appearance of the Qualifier by defeating Vanuatu by 100 runs.Netherlands’ opener and skipper, Heather Siegers, was the first to fall, bowled by Selina Solman for six runs.

The experienced Sterre Kalis and Babette de Leede ensured they rebuilt quickly, taking their side to 49/1 in the Powerplay with a 16-run sixth over.

The duo stitched together a 43-run stand before Nasimana Navaika dismissed de Leede caught and bowled for 18 (16).

Kalis continued to control the game from her end and brought up her sixth T20I half-century off 40 balls, adding another 20 in her next 11 deliveries to finish with 70 from 51. Kalis’ knock helped the Netherlands to a total of 154/6.

Vanuatu looked troubled from the start in their chase, losing wickets at crucial intervals. Rachel Andrew was the first wicket to fall at the hands of Iris Zwilling, who snared her wicket for six runs.

The Netherlands’ Silver Siegers (2/11) and Caroline de Lange (2/8) grabbed two wickets each, while Merel Dekeling finished with 1/7. With three run-outs of Valenta Langiatu, Maiyllise Carlot and Vanessa Vira, Netherlands bowled Vanuatu out for 54 with only Gillian Chilia (11*) going past double figures.

Kalis earned the Player of the Match award for her aggressive knock with the bat.

Uganda vs USA

Immaculate Nakisuuyi starred for Uganda with an unbeaten half-century in their first Qualifier win.

The USA, playing in their first match of the tournament, were helped to a stable start by opener, Disha Dhingra, who scored 25 off 24 balls.

However, Uganda bowlers Sarah Walaza and Sarah Akiteng, managed to snare a wicket each of the USA openers in the first eight overs to bring some momentum back in their favour.

A 40-run, third-wicket partnership between captain, Sindhu Sriharsha and Ritu Singh, laid the foundation for a strong finish.

Just as the USA were approaching the final five overs, Ritu’s (16) wicket was the first of a flurry to fall. Sriharsha was then dismissed in the 17th over to Concy Aweko, caught by Rita Musamali for 26 – USA’s highest score for the day.

The next over saw the back of Geetika Kodali who was run out by Rita Musamali while trying to steal a second run off an overthrow.

The USA managed to composed themselves to finish well in the final over, adding 11 runs thanks to Gargi Bhogle’s cameo of 19 runs off 16 balls, taking them to 110/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

In their chase, Uganda were put on the back foot by a wicket in the first over – Prosscovia Alako dismissed for a duck. The USA picked up another wicket in the Powerplay, Esther Iloku, who was caught behind for two off Isani Vaghela. Uganda ended the first six overs with 13/2 on the board.

The equation for Uganda to win the match read 98 runs from 84 balls with a required run rate of seven. At this point, they required an immaculate partnership for the match to turn in their favour and Immaculate Nakisuuyi and Stephani Nampiina delivered just that.

Nakisuuyi smashed her second T20I fifty, bringing it up in 53 balls. The pair continued to show nerves of steel, timing the chase to perfection and amassed 102 runs for the third wicket in 82 balls to bring up Uganda’s first win of the Qualifier.

Nakisuuyi finished with an unbeaten 68 off 64 balls to win the Player of the Match award while Nampiina scored an impressive 33 in 27 balls.

Scores in brief:

Match 5:

Netherlands beat Vanuatu by 100 runs

Netherlands 154 for 6 in 20 overs (Sterre Kalis 70, Babette De Leede 18; Nasimana Navaika 2-29, Selina Solman 2-35)

Vanuatu 54 all out in 19.5 overs (Gillian Chilia 11; Caroline De Lange 2-8, Silver Siegers 2-11)

Player of the match – Sterre Kalis

Match 6:

Uganda beat USA by eight wickets

USA 110 for 5 in 20 overs (Sindhu Sriharsha 26, Disha Dhingra 25; Sarah Akiteng 1-18, Sarah Walaza 1-19)

Uganda 111 for 2 in 18.2 overs (Immaculate Nakisuuyi 68 not out, Stephanie Nampiina 33 not out; Geetika Kodali 1-12)

Player of the match – Immaculate Nakisuuyi

(ICC)