The Victoria Pearls extended their flawless run at the 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament with a gritty 20-run victory over fierce rivals Tanzania at the Gahanga Main Oval, making it six wins in six games as they charge toward the knockout stages.
In a low-scoring thriller, Uganda posted 99/6 in their allotted 20 overs before bowling out Tanzania for 79 in 18 overs to secure a tense but crucial win.
Uganda’s captain Janet Mbabazi once again rose to the occasion, delivering a brilliant all-round performance that earned her a third Player of the Match award in the tournament. She scored a composed 34 off 32 balls, took 2 wickets for 17 runs in her 4 overs, and also claimed a catch to cap off a captain’s performance.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Tanzania kept things tight with the ball. Uganda’s openers managed to reach 37 without loss by the end of the powerplay, but the innings soon lost momentum. Esther Iloku (16) was caught at point by Ushanga Hamsi Mwananvua off Justine Pius Neema in the 10th over, triggering a middle-order collapse. Immaculate Nakisuyi fell for a duck shortly after, and Mbabazi’s dismissal in the 13th over was quickly followed by that of Stephanie Nampiina.
Despite small contributions from Rita Musamali (14) and Proscovia Alako (12), Uganda fell short of capitalising on a slow over rate penalty imposed on Tanzania, finishing on 99/6. Neema and Mwananvua both took two wickets each for Tanzania.
In response, Tanzania looked in control early, reaching 27 without loss in six overs. But once Phiona Kulume dismissed Neema (19), the Ugandan bowlers turned the screws. Mbabazi struck again to bowl out Tanzanian skipper Fatma Kibasu (12), while Consy Aweko and Stephanie Nampiina joined in with wickets of their own.
A crucial run-out of Shufaa Mohamed only worsened Tanzania’s situation, as their batting order crumbled under pressure, eventually being bowled out for 79.
With this result, Uganda remains unbeaten with 12 points from six games. They next face Nigeria on June 11 at 10:45 AM at the same venue, with hopes of finishing the group stage with a perfect record.
Match Summary – Game 6
Uganda: 99/6 in 20 overs
Tanzania: 79 all out in 18 overs
Result: Uganda won by 20 runs
Player of the Match: Janet Mbabazi – 34 runs, 2/17, 1 catch
Next Fixture: Uganda vs. Nigeria – June 11, 10:45 AM, Gahanga Main Oval
