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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)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Tavengwa Mukuhlani as its Deputy Chairperson through November 2027.
Mukuhlani, who currently serves as the Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket and represents the nation on the ICC Board, is set to take over the position from Imran Khwaja, following the latter’s departure.
Mukuhlani serves on the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) and Nominations Committees, and he chairs the HR and Remuneration Committee. He will become the first Zimbabwean to be appointed as the Deputy Chair of the ICC.
His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for African cricket as Zimbabwe prepare to co-host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 alongside South Africa and Namibia. Leveraging his extensive leadership at Zimbabwe Cricket and regional expertise, Mukuhlani will provide valuable direction as the ICC brings the flagship tournament back to Africa for the first time in 24 years.
ICC Chairman, Jay Shah said, “I warmly congratulate Tavengwa Mukuhlani on his appointment as Deputy Chair of the ICC. “His experience in cricket administration, understanding of the global game and commitment to its development will be invaluable to the ICC Board.
“Tavengwa has earned the confidence of his fellow Directors, and I look forward to working closely with him to strengthen cricket across our Members and create greater opportunities for the game to grow worldwide. His election is also a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, as he becomes the first Zimbabwean to serve as Deputy Chair.
“With cricket expanding globally and returning to the Olympic Games, strong leadership will be vital. I wish Tavengwa every success in his new role.”
Tavengwa Mukuhlani said, “I am deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by my fellow ICC Board Directors and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Chair of the ICC. “I look forward to working closely with our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah, whose leadership, energy and ambition have brought a clear sense of purpose to the ICC, with a strong focus on growing cricket, creating opportunities for our Members and reaching new audiences and markets.
“Cricket is entering an exciting period, particularly with its return to the Olympic Games and continued global expansion. I look forward to supporting our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah and fellow board directors in advancing our shared priorities and serving the best interests of cricket globally.”
[ICC]
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Isle of Man teenage all-rounder Lucy Barnett ICC Women’s Player of the Month for August 2026
Lucy Barnett played a pivotal role in Isle of Man’s run to the Women’s Continental Cup final, finishing the tournament as the leading run-scorer.
The 19-year-old beat competitions from Suleeporn Laomi and Nannapt Koncharoenkai of Thailand to the award.
She enjoyed an outstanding campaign, registering a century and two fifties across the competition.
Barnett began with an unbeaten 71 against Romania, guiding Isle of Man to a comfortable run chase in just 13.1 overs.
After scoring only four runs against Greece, she responded in spectacular fashion against Norway, smashing an unbeaten 123 from 64 balls to help her side finish top of the group.
She also made an impact with the ball in those two matches, taking 1/8 against Greece and 1/11 against Norway.
Her strong run continued in the final against Turkey, where she was Isle of Man’s highest scorer with a 59, while also contributing two wickets for 22 runs.
Across four T20Is, Barnett amassed 257 runs at an exceptional average of 128.50 and a strike rate of 178.47.
With the ball, she claimed four wickets at an economy rate of 3.80 and an average of 14.25.
Speaking on the recognition, Barnett revealed the award gives her an added motivation to keep performing at the highest level.
“Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling and, honestly, still feels a little unbelievable as I am making history of sorts for the Isle of Man,” Barnett said.
“I knew I had a strong month, but to be recognised ahead of so many others is something I’m immensely proud of and will cherish for a very long time.
“It’s a fantastic time for women’s cricket, and to have the spotlight on me now is a truly special feeling.
“I’m grateful to the ICC for this honour and to all my team-mates, coaches and officials who have made my international journey such an enjoyable and rewarding one.
“This award gives me even more motivation to keep pushing myself, and I hope to carry this form into the matches ahead and create many more special moments for my team.”
[ICC]
Sonal Dinusha has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2026.
This marks Dinusha being crowned with the accolade for the first time in his career.
Having played only three Tests for Sri Lanka coming into the ICC World Test Championship series against India, the left-handed batter was the leading run-getter in the two-match series.
Dinusha finished with 420 runs, averaging a spectacular 140, with three centuries and a half-century to his name.
“This recognition means so much to me, especially so early in my career, and I’m truly grateful to the ICC for this honour,” Dinusha said while reflecting on his latest achievement.
While Sri Lanka lost the first Test by 165 runs, Dinusha managed to score 100 in the first innings, followed by 84 runs in the second.
In the second Test, with the hosts battling to avoid a series sweep, Dinusha scored twin centuries in the two innings (103 and an unbeaten 133) to orchestrate a famous draw.
“The series against India will always hold a special place in my heart,” Dinusha added.
“Scoring three centuries was a dream come true, made even more meaningful by achieving them in Colombo and Galle in front of our home fans. “Although we didn’t get the overall result we hoped for, the way our team fought back in the second match showed the character, belief and determination we have as a side. I’m proud to have shared that fight with my teammates.
Dinusha made his Test debut for Sri Lanka last year, during the home series against Bangladesh.
In a short time, the all-rounder has made a big impact while representing his team in the longest format, an achievement he isn’t taking for granted.
“Representing Sri Lanka is a privilege I never take for granted, and this recognition gives me even more motivation to keep learning, improving and contributing to the team.
“I’ll continue to give my very best for Sri Lanka in the months and years ahead.”
The hosts managed to keep the series at 1-0, and Dinusha was named the Player of the Match in Colombo.
[ICC]
Zimbabwean Tavengwa Mukuhlani appointed Deputy Chair of the ICC until November 2027.
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