Uganda Women revitalised their campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division One Qualifier with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Rwanda Women.
Rita Musamali and Immaculate Nakisuuyi were the stars of the show as Uganda executed a composed chase to claim the result with 21 balls to spare.
Rwanda’s Innings: A Promising Start Undone by Collapse
Batting first, Rwanda Women posted 114 runs before being bowled out in the final over. The innings was anchored by captain Gisele Ishimwe, who struck a fluent 41 off 33 deliveries, and Henriette Ishimwe, who added 36 off 31 balls.
Their partnership offered stability after early setbacks, but the rest of the batting order failed to contribute meaningfully. Eight batters were dismissed for single-digit scores, and Rwanda lost their final six wickets for just 27 runs.
Uganda’s bowling attack operated with precision and discipline. Five bowlers
shared all ten wickets, each claiming two scalps.
Janet Mbabazi led the effort with figures of 2 for 22, while Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Sarah Akiteng, Concylate Aweko, and Irene Mutonyi each chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Uganda’s Chase: Calm, Calculated, and Clinical
In response, Uganda Women overcame the early loss of two wickets to cruise to victory at 116 for 2 in 16.3 overs.
The chase was anchored by a match-winning third-wicket partnership between Rita Musamali and Immaculate Nakisuuyi.
Musamali remained unbeaten on 47 off 37 balls, playing with fluency and intent, while Nakisuuyi compiled a steady 43 not out from 42 deliveries.
Their partnership, worth over 90 runs, absorbed Rwanda’s initial pressure and gradually accelerated the scoring rate. Rwanda’s bowlers struggled to contain the pair, with only Rosine Irera offering resistance through her economical spell of 1 for 7 in four overs.
The rest of the attack lacked penetration and allowed Uganda to rotate the strike freely and find boundaries with ease.
Uganda’s bowling rotation was a standout feature, with each bowler executing their role effectively. The fielding unit complemented the attack with sharp ground coverage and consistent pressure.
Rwanda’s middle-order showed glimpses of resilience, but the lack of depth in the lower order and absence of finishing power proved costly.
Implications for the Tournament
With this win, Uganda Women moved second in Group B, gaining two points and a healthy net run rate of 0.591.
Rwanda will now rue a missed opportunity to hold onto second place with a –
0.359 net run rate despite defeating Kenya in their first game.
All teams will take a break before returning on September 3rd for their final group games. Uganda will battle arch-rivals Kenya in yet another East African derby, while Rwanda will look to upstage high flying Tanzania.
