Uganda’s Victoria Pearls concluded their ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025/26 campaign in Bangkok with a sixth-place finish.
The tournament was played in a round-robin format, with each of the 8 teams facing every other side once.
Uganda recorded two victories against Papua New Guinea and Tanzania, alongside five defeats to Scotland, Namibia, UAE, Thailand, and Netherlands.
Uganda opened their campaign against Scotland, falling short by 15 runs despite resistance from Janet Mbabazi and Stephanie Nampiina in the chase.
Their second outing against Namibia ended in defeat as Namibia’s disciplined bowling restricted Uganda’s scoring opportunities, and their batters chased down the target with composure.
Against hosts Thailand, Uganda were outplayed, losing by eight wickets, though Concy Aweko and Kevin Amuge bowled tightly to keep the contest alive for brief spells.
The breakthrough came against Papua New Guinea. Batting first, Uganda posted 117/4 in 20 overs, led by a superb unbeaten 60 from Janet Mbabazi and support from Immaculate Nakisuuyi with 20.
With the ball, Kevin Amuge (2/11) and Mbabazi (2/21) struck crucial blows. Uganda’s bowlers held firm in the final over, restricting PNG to 113/7 and sealing a 4-run victory.
The next fixture against the UAE saw Uganda fall by six wickets, with Proscovia Alako showing intent at the top, but the team was unable to build momentum.
Uganda’s second win came against Tanzania in a dominant performance. The Victoria Pearls bowlers dismissed Tanzania for just 54 in 19.5 overs.
The chase was straightforward, as Uganda reached 55/3 in 12.3 overs to secure a 7-wicket win.
In the final fixture against the Netherlands, Uganda posted 111/6 in 20 overs, anchored by Proscovia Alako’s fluent 34 off 29 balls.
Stephani Nampiina added 21, while Mbabazi and Nakisuuyi chipped in with useful runs.
With the ball, Amuge struck twice, and Aweko applied pressure, but the Netherlands chased down the target in 14.5 overs, finishing at 112/4.
Robine Rijke was named Player of the Match with an unbeaten 36 and a wicket.
Uganda’s sixth-place finish highlights both the challenges of competing against emerging European and Asian teams and the valuable exposure gained.
The Victoria Pearls demonstrated individual brilliance overall – Mbabazi’s all-round heroics, Alako’s batting intent, and Amuge’s pace bowling.
Uganda will have to reinforce the need for stronger middle-order partnerships and sharper death bowling execution.
Participation in Bangkok strengthened Uganda’s pathway in women’s cricket, feeding into future Africa qualifiers and ICC development programs.
The experience will serve as a foundation for building depth, confidence, and consistency in international competition.
The Victoria Pearls leave Bangkok with pride, lessons, and renewed ambition.
Uganda’s women continue to build their legacy, inspiring the next generation of cricketers and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to elevating women’s sport.