Netherlands Beat Pakistan Women by Eight Wickets
The Netherlands beat Pakistan women by eight wickets in the ICC Emerging Nations Trophy in Ajman on Sunday, handing the Green Shirts their first defeat of the tournament. The Dutch chased down a target of 127 with 31 balls to spare at the Seven Districts Sports Club.
Pakistan managed 126 for seven in 20 overs after batting first. The Dutch openers then built a 50-run stand before their middle order finished the chase in 14.5 overs.
Pakistan restricted to 126
Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals and never built a partnership big enough to set a testing total. Captain Muneeba Ali top-scored with 22 from 26 balls, while Gull Feroza stayed unbeaten on 23 from 21 balls.
Sadaf Shamas made 17 from 20 balls and Eyman Fatima added 14 from 11. Tuba Hassan scored 14 from 13 balls, Shaawal Zulfiqar made 10 from eight, and Waheeda Akhtar finished unbeaten on 10 from five. Extras added five runs to the total.
Frederique Overdijk led the Dutch bowling with three wickets for 18 runs in three overs. Iris Zwilling took two wickets, while Heather Siegers and Silver Siegers took one each.
How the Netherlands beat Pakistan women
Captain Babette de Leede and Heather Siegers gave the Netherlands a fast start. De Leede scored 39 from 23 balls, hitting eight boundaries, before she was dismissed. Siegers also made 39, from 27 balls, with three fours and two sixes.
Sterre Kalis then guided the chase home with an unbeaten 33 from 26 balls, hitting four boundaries. Phebe Molkenboer added an unbeaten eight as the Netherlands reached 127 for two.
The win showed the gap Pakistan must close in the short format. The Dutch attack kept the scoring rate in check throughout the innings, and their batters showed no nerves in a small chase.
A first defeat, not a setback
The result was Pakistan’s first defeat in the Emerging Nations Trophy, a tournament built for developing teams to test themselves against regular international opposition. One defeat does not end a campaign, and the Green Shirts still have room to recover in the group stage.
The defeat also came on a day that showed how far Pakistan women’s cricket has travelled. Former captain Sana Mir was inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame on Sunday, a first for a Pakistan woman cricketer. Mir took 240 wickets in 226 matches for Pakistan and was named in the ICC Hall of Fame in 2025.
Pakistan’s young cricketers have also had success this month. The under-19 side beat Bangladesh to reach the Asia Cup final, while the senior men’s team prepares for a second Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The women’s side will want to match that standard when it returns to the field.
The under-19 Asia Cup final also produced an ugly incident, with India’s players facing criticism for gestures towards Pakistan’s Hamza Zahoor. Sunday’s match in Ajman, by contrast, was played in good spirit, and the better side on the day won clearly.
What happens next
Pakistan must now regroup quickly. The batting needs a stronger start, since no batter passed 23 on Sunday, and the bowling needs early wickets to defend small totals. The Netherlands, meanwhile, will carry confidence into their next match after a strong display with bat and ball.
For Pakistan, the lesson is plain. The Emerging Nations Trophy rewards teams that bat deep and bowl in partnerships. The Green Shirts did neither in Ajman, and the Dutch made them pay.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the match between Pakistan women and the Netherlands?
The Netherlands won by eight wickets, chasing 127 in 14.5 overs at Ajman.
What did Pakistan score?
Pakistan scored 126 for seven in 20 overs. Muneeba Ali top-scored with 22, and Gull Feroza made 23 not out.
Who starred for the Netherlands?
Babette de Leede and Heather Siegers both scored 39, Sterre Kalis made 33 not out, and Frederique Overdijk took three wickets for 18 runs.
Where was the match played?
At the Seven Districts Sports Club in Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Was this Pakistan’s first defeat in the tournament?
Yes. It was Pakistan’s first defeat in the ICC Emerging Nations Trophy.
