Victoria Pearls tour of India
Uganda -145/6
Zimbabwe – 139/8
Victoria Pearls won by 6 runs
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Gloria Obukor led the charge for Victoria Pearls.(Uganda women’s national cricket team), scoring a brilliant half-century in their match against Zimbabwe’s Lady Chevrons on Tuesday.
This outstanding performance not only showcased Obukor’s prowess with the bat but also played a pivotal role in securing Victoria Pearls’ first victory in their current tour of India. The side won the 20-over game by 6 runs (145/6 against 139/8) at the Omtex ICWC Cricket Institute, Palghar.
Obukor who plies her trade with Soroti Cricket Academy led the charge as she opened the batting alongside Immaculate Nakisuyi, scoring 50 runs off 37 balls, supported by Iloku Esther (32 off 37) and Janet Mbabazi (15 off 17), all from Soroti. Nakisiyu posted 7 runs from 11 balls while Rita Musamali was the other standout player with 15 runs off 14 balls.
Obukor who wasn’t part of the previous tours and qualifier made history by becoming the first Ugandan woman to score a half-century against the Lady Chevrons.
Meanwhile, Audrey Mazvishaya put up a good shift when the Lady Chevrons were fielding picking three wickets in four overs. Despite her individual brilliance, the Lady Cranes managed to post good figures.
During the Lady Chevrons’ innings, Kelis Ndhlovu who has been one of Zimbabwe’s best players on tour was determined to chase down Uganda’s score. However, she was run out by Sarah Walaza after scoring 39 runs off 23 balls, comprising of six boundaries.
Chiyedza Dhururu was Lady Chevrons’ best player with 21 runs off 22 balls but was caught by Kevin Awino following Consy Aweko’s delivery. The other Zimbabwean players who managed doubt figures were Loryn Phiri (20) and Tasmin Granger (11).
The Victoria Pearls are using the Tour of India to prepare for the upcoming Global T20 World Cup Qualifiers in April in Dubai as well as at the African Games scheduled for next month in Accra.
