Uganda’s women’s national cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, maintained their perfect record at the 11th Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament with a commanding 7-wicket win over Brazil at the Gahanga Main Oval in Kigali.
This marks the Pearls’ fourth consecutive victory in the competition, cementing their place at the top of the standings with 8 points from 4 games.
Match Summary – Game 4
Brazil: 80/9 in 20 overs
Uganda (Victoria Pearls): 81/3 in 12.1 overs
Result: Uganda won by 7 wickets (with 43 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Janet Mbabazi – 4 overs, 4 wickets for 16 runs & 7 runs off 11 balls
Under overcast skies, Uganda won the toss and elected to bowl first – a decision that proved fruitful yet again. Veteran players Consy Aweko and Stephanie Nampiina returned to the side, replacing Sarah Tino and debutant Teddy Oyella in a tactical squad rotation.
Pacer Kevin Amuge (1/24) and spinner Phiona Kulume (0/10) set the tone early, containing Brazil’s top order. The breakthrough came in the fifth over with a run out of Laura Agartha (5), followed by captain Janet Mbabazi’s double strike to dismiss Lindsay Villas Boas LBW and Brazilian skipper Laura Cardoso, leaving Brazil reeling at 24/3 after the powerplay.
Brazil never recovered, with Uganda’s bowlers applying relentless pressure and the fielders executing four clinical run-outs. Mbabazi’s standout performance of 4/16 played a pivotal role in restricting Brazil to a modest 80/9.
In reply, Uganda’s chase began cautiously. Openers Mbabazi (7) and Esther Iloku (13) departed early, but Immaculate Nakisuyi anchored the innings with a composed and fluent unbeaten 34 off 27 balls. Uganda reached the target in just 12.1 overs, sealing a dominant win with 5.2 overs and 7 wickets to spare.
Milestone Moment
The match also marked a significant career milestone for Janet Mbabazi, who celebrated reaching 100 T20I wickets. Reflecting on her performance, she said:
“I’m very happy that I am delivering for my team and proud of helping us remain unbeaten. Winning another accolade is special, but it’s a team effort. Special thanks to Consy Aweko, Immaculate Nakisuyi and Kevin Awino for their hard work today.”
The Victoria Pearls will be back in action tomorrow, June 8, as they take on Malawi at 10:45 AM at the Gahanga Main Oval.
