Uganda’s national women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, bounced back from semifinal heartbreak to claim bronze at the 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, defeating hosts Rwanda by 20 runs in a spirited playoff held at the Gahanga B Oval.
Just 24 hours after suffering a narrow one-run loss to Zimbabwe HPC in the semifinals, Uganda showed resilience and tactical discipline to overcome Rwanda and end their campaign on a high.
Match Summary – 3rd place playoff
Uganda: 107/5 in 20 overs
Rwanda: 87/7 in 20 overs
Result: Uganda won by 20 runs
Player of the Match: Sarah Tino – 3/20 (4 overs)
Tournament Best Fielder: Rita Musamali – 9 dismissals (6 catches, 3 run outs)
Rwanda won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to take advantage of a sluggish pitch. Uganda made a single change to their lineup, bringing in debutant Sarah Tino in place of Sarah Akiteng.
After a cautious start, which saw captain Janet Mbabazi fall in the fourth over, Uganda reached 22/1 at the end of the powerplay. A steady partnership between Esther Iloku (23 off 35) and Immaculate Nakisuyi (29 off 31) steadied the innings, taking Uganda to 48/1 by the 10-over mark.
A middle-order stutter saw Musamali run out for 2 and Nakisuyi dismissed shortly after, but Stephanie Nampiina’s quickfire 21 off 14 and Proscovia Alako’s 16 off 17 gave Uganda a late boost to reach 107/5.
Defending a similar total to the one they failed to protect against Rwanda in the group stages, Uganda’s bowlers stepped up with renewed focus. Kevin Amuge set the tone early with a miserly first over and a wicket in her second, removing Rwanda opener Merveille Uwase for a duck.
At 45/1 after 10 overs, Rwanda appeared to be cruising, but debutant Sarah Tino struck gold on her very first delivery, trapping Rwandan captain Diane Bimenyimana (21 off 40) LBW. Tino’s outstanding spell of 3/20 shifted the momentum completely, supported by Mbabazi’s tight overs and two wickets.
Uganda’s fielding was sharp throughout, with Rita Musamali being named the tournament’s best fielder for her nine dismissals, including six catches and three run outs. Rwanda’s chase eventually fell short, closing on 87/7, with Clarisse Umutoniwase top scoring for the hosts with 29 off 25 balls.
