Uganda’s Victoria Pearls suffered a gut-wrenching semifinal exit at the 11th Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament after falling to Zimbabwe High Performance Centre (HPC) by a single run in a tense and controversial finish at the Gahanga Cricket Oval.
Chasing 94 for a spot in the final, the Pearls looked poised for victory before a dramatic collapse and a last-minute run-out sealed their fate. Zimbabwe HPC had earlier posted 93/8 in their 20 overs, a target that seemed within reach after a confident start by Uganda.
Esther Iloku starred for Uganda with a fluent 54 off 49 balls — her maiden international half-century — while opening the chase alongside skipper Janet Mbabazi (22 off 27). The pair put on a promising 44-run stand that took Uganda to 83/1 in 14.4 overs.
But what followed was a collapse of epic proportions. Nine wickets tumbled for just five runs in the space of 24 balls. Panic set in, accompanied by a controversial run-out decision in the final over that involved last batter Kevin Amuge and non-striker Sarah Akiteng. Akiteng ran across the pitch to check on the injured Amuge, but umpires ruled the ball was still in play, confirming the dismissal and ending Uganda’s innings at 92 all out in 19.1 overs.
The defeat left the Ugandan dugout in disbelief.
Zimbabwe’s Nomvelo Sibanda delivered a game-changing performance, claiming 2/14 in her four overs, scoring 14 runs, and playing a role in six fielding dismissals. Her all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award.
Uganda’s bowling unit had earlier been dominant, with Amuge (2/11), Phiona Kulume (0/2), and Consylate Aweko (3/10) combining to restrict Zimbabwe HPC to just 93/8. But Uganda’s inability to close out the chase proved costly.
“This is a painful loss,” said head coach Deus Muhumuza. “We had the game in control for three quarters of the match. We’re going to reflect and see where we failed to take responsibilities as batters.”
The Victoria Pearls will now play for bronze against hosts Rwanda in a third-place playoff tomorrow at the same venue. Rwanda, too, are smarting from their own semifinal heartbreak after being bowled out for 43 against Tanzania.
