Uganda women’s senior national cricket team, Victoria Pearls fell to Rwanda by 6 wickets (65 all out against 66/4) in the final of the 2023 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament played on Saturday at Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Kigali.
It was Uganda’s second loss in the two-round robin tournament having lost to Nigeria by 3 wickets (72 all out against 76/7) on Friday, capitalizing on the Victoria Pearls sad ending to the tournament having looked unstoppable for the most part of the round-robin stage.
Albeit the loss in the final that denied them the winners’ trophy, Victoria Pearls Vice Captain Janet Mbabazi says that they had a good tournament and will bank on the lessons learnt in Kigali going forward.
“Overall, this tournament has really been good for us because it has prepared us for the tournaments that are coming up especially the one in December (Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers from Dec 7th – 18th 2023 in Kampala). We have been able to face very good players from various countries and we have learnt a few things from all the teams that are here. Though the final didn’t go our way, we are happy with the lessons learnt,” Mbabazi said.
In the final, Mbabazi managed 13 runs from 20 balls (as Uganda batted first) before she fell to Immaculate Muhawenimana’s ball. The latter also bowled Stephanie Nampiina who had a game high 19 runs from 33 balls.
“We didn’t put up a good score, a score we could defend but I think the batters did their best. The wicket was a bit difficult to play on but you know the batters came in and put on the score we put,” Mbabazi noted adding that; “I think the bowlers came and expressed themselves.”
Uwase Merveille led Rwanda’s chase with 17 runs from 41 balls (including 2 fours). She was later run-out by Janet Mbabazi and Evelyn Anyipo.
Gisele Ishimwe (13 runs), Alice Ikuzwe (12 runs) and Henriette Ishimwe (10 runs) were the other Rwandan players to post double figures as the home side won the tournament. Henriette Ishimwe also picked four wickets.
Kenya and Botswana were the other teams in the tournament. Only the top two sides (Rwanda and Uganda) made it to the final after the round-robin matches.
FINAL: Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament
Uganda W Vs Rwanda W
Uganda 65 all out
Rwanda 66/4
Rwanda won by 6 wickets
