The Netherlands survived a late wobble to beat Thailand by five wickets in a final-over finish on the opening day of the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy in Ajman on Thursday.

Chasing 137, the Dutch reached their target with three balls to spare at the Seven Districts Sports Club, as Sterre Kalis held firm with an unbeaten 33 from 26 balls to see her side home in the Group B fixture.

Siegers stars with bat and ball

Heather Siegers was the central figure in the win, first taking two for 15 with the ball and then making 42 from 28 balls at the top of the order.

Siegers removed Phannita Maya in the first over of the match, but Thailand recovered through Natthakan Chantham, who made 55, and Nannapat Khoncharoenkai, who finished unbeaten on 54. The pair put on 91 for the second wicket as Thailand posted 136 for two from their 20 overs.

In reply, Siegers and captain Babette de Leede, who made 37, shared an opening stand of 78 that put the Netherlands firmly in control of the chase.

Thailand fight back before Kalis settles it

Thailand refused to give up the match, hitting back with three wickets for two runs in the space of a single over to drag themselves back into contention.

The Netherlands still needed 22 from 17 balls when Frederique Overdijk was stumped, and the chase was in the balance. Kalis, however, kept her composure at the crease and guided the Dutch over the line with three balls remaining, finishing on 33 not out.

The win was a reward for a disciplined bowling display as much as for the chase. After the early breakthrough from Siegers, the Dutch attack kept Thailand's scoring in check for long spells, and the second-wicket stand was the only period in which the batters were able to dominate.

Opening day of the new tournament

The Emerging Nations Trophy is a new ICC event for teams outside the established leading nations, played in the United Arab Emirates, and the Netherlands' win puts them alongside Pakistan as opening-day winners in Group B.

Pakistan had earlier beaten Bangladesh by eight wickets in the same group, while Sri Lanka thrashed Ireland by 10 wickets and Scotland beat Papua New Guinea by seven wickets in Group A.

The Netherlands will take confidence from the way they closed out a tight match, and from Siegers' all-round contribution, as the group stage continues in Ajman.