Uganda’s national women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, will take on Zimbabwe High Performance Centre (HPC) in the semifinals of the 11th Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament on Friday, June 13 at Gahanga Stadium, Kigali.
The Pearls head into the knockouts under pressure, having suffered two narrow defeats in their final group matches—a five-run loss to Nigeria on June 11, followed by a five-wicket defeat to hosts Rwanda. Despite the setbacks, Uganda qualified for the semifinals, finishing second on the table tied on 12 points with Zimbabwe HPC, but trailing on net run rate.
In their most recent outing, Uganda posted their best total of the tournament so far, scoring 119/6 in 20 overs, thanks to a solid middle-order performance led by Immaculate Nakisuuyi (44), Kevin Awino (30), and Rita Musamali (36). However, Rwanda chased down the target with eight balls to spare, led by Player of the Match Diane Marie Bimenyimana’s composed 46 off 44 balls.
Speaking after the match, Uganda’s Assistant Coach Brian Masaba said, “It’s tough to lose back-to-back games. We played well in parts, but we must be more clinical—especially in the field. We have to regroup fast. Zimbabwe HPC is a quality side, and we must bring our best to make the final.”
When the two sides met in the group stages, Uganda edged out Zimbabwe HPC by just four runs while defending a total of 105, a result that sets up what promises to be another close contest.
Zimbabwe HPC features a formidable lineup including Nonvelo Sibanda, Christabel Chantozwa, Loreen Tshuma, and Nyasha Gwanzura. Uganda, currently ranked 17th globally, will rely on the leadership of captain Janet Mbabazi and key players like Esther Iloku, Musamali, Nakisuuyi, and Awino to deliver a spirited performance and book a place in the final.
