Uganda’s Victoria Pearls were crowned champions of the 2026 Capricorn Women’s T20I Quadrangular Series after defeating hosts Capricorn Eagles by 17 runs in an impressive final at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground (NCG) on Thursday.
A composed half-century from captain Janet Mbabazi and a match-winning bowling display by Consylate Aweko guided Uganda to a memorable victory, capping an outstanding tournament campaign in Windhoek.
After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Uganda made a confident start through Mbabazi and Stephanie Nampiina, who combined for a brisk opening partnership. Nampiina set the tone with an aggressive 27 off 16 balls, striking five boundaries before departing with the score on 62.
Mbabazi anchored the innings superbly, compiling 61 from 56 deliveries with nine boundaries. She found valuable support from Ritah Musamali, whose unbeaten 31 off 27 balls ensured Uganda maintained momentum through the middle overs. Esther Iloku added a useful unbeaten 15 from 11 deliveries late in the innings as the Victoria Pearls posted a competitive 146/3 from their 20 overs.
For the hosts, Wilka Mwatile was the most economical of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 1/24.
Chasing 147 for victory, the Capricorn Eagles began steadily as Sunè Wittmann (33) and Mezerly Gorases (27) shared a 51-run opening stand. However, Uganda’s spin attack swung the momentum decisively in the visitors’ favour.
Off-spinner Aweko delivered the breakthrough by dismissing Gorases before claiming two more crucial wickets to finish with outstanding figures of 3/20 from her four overs. Young spinner Malisa Ariokot complemented the effort with 2/25, while Asumin Akurut chipped in with one wicket. Tight bowling from Sarah Walaza, who conceded just 19 runs in her four-over spell, further restricted the hosts’ scoring opportunities.
Despite Wittmann’s resistance, the Capricorn Eagles were limited to 129/6, handing Uganda a deserved 17-run victory and sparking jubilant celebrations as the Victoria Pearls lifted the championship trophy.
Mbabazi was named Player of the Match for her captain’s innings, while the victory highlighted Uganda’s growing strength and consistency on the international stage.
The title completed an impressive tournament for the Victoria Pearls, who recorded victories over Hong Kong (twice), Tanzania, and the Capricorn Eagles in the final after advancing through a competitive round-robin stage.
Final Scorecard
Uganda 146/3 (20 overs)
Janet Mbabazi 61 (56), Ritah Musamali 31* (27), Stephanie Nampiina 27 (16)
Capricorn Eagles 129/6 (20 overs)
Sunè Wittmann 33 (39), Mezerly Gorases 27 (23)
Uganda won by 17 runs.
