Netherlands stun Pakistan in major upset at Women's Emerging Nations Trophy

Netherlands stunned Pakistan by eight wickets in a major upset at the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, chasing down 127 in just 14.5 overs in Ajman. The victory took the Dutch to the top of Group B, pushing Pakistan to second place, with both teams on four points.Pakistan lost to the Nethelrands by 8 wickets on Sunday. Courtesy: APNew Delhi,Nov 15, 2026 17:07 ISTThe Netherlands women pulled off a major upset, defeating Pakistan by eight wickets in a Group B clash at the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy at the Seven Districts Sports Club in Ajman, UAE, on Sunday.The Dutch chased down a modest target of 127 in just 14.5 overs, finishing at 127 for two with 31 balls to spare. The victory took the Netherlands to the top of Group B with two wins from two matches, overtaking Pakistan, who slipped to second place despite having won their opening two games. Both teams have four points, but the Netherlands moved ahead on net run rate.Captain Babette de Leede led the charge with an aggressive 39 off 23 balls, while Heather Siegers matched her with 39 off 27 deliveries. The opening pair stitched together an 83-run partnership in just 7.4 overs, putting the Netherlands firmly in control of the chase.Also Read: The Nazma Khan story: A father's belief, a mother's prayers and a WPL dream Although Pakistan captain Muneeba Ali managed to break the partnership, the damage had already been done. Sterre Kalis remained unbeaten on 33 off 26 balls, while Phebe Molkenboer made eight not out as the Netherlands completed a comfortable victory.PAKISTAN STRUGGLE TO BUILD MOMENTUMEarlier, Pakistan failed to put up a competitive total after being asked to bat first. They managed 126 for seven in their 20 overs, with several batters getting starts but failing to convert them into substantial scores. Captain Muneeba Ali made 22 off 26 deliveries, while Gull Feroza top-scored with an unbeaten 23 off 21 balls. Tuba Hassan contributed 14, but Pakistan struggled to accelerate during the middle overs and lost wickets at regular intervals.Frederique Overdijk was the standout bowler for the Netherlands, claiming three wickets for just 18 runs in her three overs. Iris Zwilling also chipped in with two wickets, ensuring Pakistan never gained the momentum required to post a challenging total.Tuba Hassan was the only Pakistan bowler to make an impact during the chase, dismissing both Netherlands openers and finishing with figures of two for 14.Pakistan are also without regular captain and all-rounder Fatima Sana, who is currently representing Perth Scorchers in Australia's Women's Big Bash League (WBBL).The defeat will be a setback for Pakistan as they look to finish among the top three teams in Group B and progress to the Super Six stage.Pakistan will next face Zimbabwe on Monday, November 16, at the Seven Districts Sports Club in Ajman.- Ends