ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024 Day 2: Netherlands and Uganda Celebrate Initial Victories
In a thrilling day of cricket at the Tolerance Oval, the Netherlands clinched a 100-run victory over Vanuatu, while Uganda made a strong comeback with an eight-wicket triumph over the USA at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Netherlands 154/6 (20) Defeats Vanuatu 54/10 (19.5)
Toss: Netherlands Women Opted to Bat
Scorecard
The Netherlands marked their first match of the Qualifier with a resounding 100-run victory over Vanuatu. The Netherlands’ skipper Heather Siegers was the first to be dismissed, bowled by Selina Solman for six runs.
Experienced players Sterre Kalis and Babette de Leede quickly rebuilt the Netherlands’ innings, taking the score to 49/1 in the Powerplay with a 16-run sixth over.
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The pair added 43 runs before Nasimana Navaika dismissed de Leede for 18 (16). Kalis continued to dominate, scoring her sixth T20I fifty off 40 balls and finishing with 70 off 51. Her performance helped the Netherlands reach a total of 154/6.
Vanuatu struggled in their chase, losing wickets at crucial moments. Rachel Andrew was the first to fall, caught by Iris Zwilling for six runs.
The Netherlands’ Silver Siegers (2/11) and Caroline de Lange (2/8) took two wickets each, while Merel Dekeling finished with 1/7. With three run-outs, the Netherlands dismissed Vanuatu for 54. Only Gillian Chilia (11*) managed to reach double figures.
Sterre Kalis was named Player of the Match for her commanding batting performance.
USA 110/5 (20) Loses to Uganda 111/2 (18.2)
Toss: USA Women Opted to Bat
Scorecard
Immaculate Nakisuuyi led Uganda to their first Qualifier win with an unbeaten half-century at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
The USA, playing their first match of the Qualifier, had a steady start thanks to opener Disha Dhingra who scored 25 off 24 balls.
However, Uganda’s bowlers Sarah Walaza and Sarah Akiteng each took a wicket of the USA openers in the first eight overs, shifting the momentum in their favor.
A 40-run partnership between captain Sindhu Sriharsha and Ritu Singh laid the groundwork for a strong finish.
Immaculate Nakisuuyi’s half-century powered Uganda’s chase against the USA.
As the USA approached the final five overs, Ritu’s (16) wicket fell first. Sriharsha was then dismissed in the 17th over by Concy Aweko, caught by Rita Musamali for 26 – the highest score for the USA.
Geetika Kodali was run out by Rita Musamali in the next over while trying to steal a second run off an overthrow. However, the USA managed to finish strong in the final over, adding 11 runs with Gargi Bhogle’s cameo of 19 runs off 16 balls, taking them to 110/5 in their 20 overs.
Uganda’s chase began on a shaky note with Prosscovia Alako falling for a duck in the first over. The USA took another wicket in the Powerplay, dismissing Esther Iloku. Uganda ended the first six overs with 13/2 on the board.
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Uganda needed 98 runs from 84 balls with a required run rate of seven. Immaculate Nakisuuyi and Stephani Nampiina stepped up, forming a match-winning partnership. Nakisuuyi scored her second T20I fifty in 53 balls. The pair added 102 runs for the third wicket in 82 balls, securing Uganda’s first win of the Qualifier.
Nakisuuyi finished with an unbeaten 68* off 64 balls, earning the Player of the Match award, while Nampiina contributed a solid 33 off 27 balls.