Namibia’s stubborn defense hands Uganda a 12-run defeat

Uganda’s Victoria Pearls suffered a heartbreaking 12-run defeat to Namibia in a low-scoring thriller at the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in Bangkok.

The Pearls controlled the match with their bowling, but ultimately fell short in the chase, finishing with 71 for 7 in 20 overs.

Namibia’s innings got off to a shaky start, with captain Sune Wittmann falling for a duck in the second over.

However, Kayleen Green’s 21 and Yasmeen Khan’s 19 helped rebuild, and Naomi Benjamin’s calm 18 off 17 in the final overs proved decisive, pushing Namibia to 83 for 8.

Uganda’s bowlers had done their job, with Sarah Akiteng (2/10), Immaculate Nakisuuyi (2/16), and Malisa Ariokot (2/12) all chipping in with crucial wickets.

But Namibia’s defense proved too strong, with Leigh-Marie Visser (3/10) and Mekelaye Mwatile (2/8) leading the charge.

“We gave it our all, but it wasn’t our day,” said Uganda captain Janet Mbabazi.

“The bowling group did a good job, but we weren’t able to keep up with the batting.

The wicket was a bit slow, but we need to go back and see where we can do better.”

The defeat is a tough pill to swallow for Uganda, but they will regroup and look to bounce back against Papua New Guinea on Sunday.