In a standout performance, Immaculate Nakisuuyi spearheaded Uganda’s Victoria Pearls to their inaugural triumph at the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in Abu Dhabi, clinching a vital victory over the USA. Nakisuuyi’s unbeaten half-century proved pivotal in steering the Victoria Pearls to success, marking a significant turnaround following their defeat to Scotland in the tournament opener.
The USA, competing in their first game of the tournament, got off to a decent start thanks to opener Disha Dhingra’s 25 runs off 24 balls.
However, Uganda’s bowlers, Sarah Walaza and Sarah Akiteng, managed to take a wicket each in the first eight overs, swinging the momentum back in Uganda’s favor.
Captain Sindhu Sriharsha and Ritu Singh built a crucial 40-run partnership for the third wicket, setting the stage for a strong finish.
Just as the USA were approaching the final five overs, Ritu’s (16) wicket was the first of a flurry to fall. Sriharsha was then dismissed in the 17th over to Concy Aweko, caught by Rita Musamali for 26 – USA’s highest score for the day.
The next over saw the back of Geetika Kodali who was run out by Rita Musamali while trying to steal a second run off an overthrow.
The USA managed to compose themselves to finish well in the final over, adding 11 runs thanks to Gargi Bhogle’s cameo of 19 runs off 16 balls, taking them to 110/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
In their chase, Uganda were put on the back foot by a wicket in the first over – Prosscovia Alako dismissed for a duck. The USA picked up another wicket in the Powerplay, Esther Iloku, who was caught behind for two off Isani Vaghela. Uganda ended the first six overs with 13/2 on the board.
The equation for Uganda to win the match read 98 runs from 84 balls with a required run rate of seven. At this point, they required an immaculate partnership for the match to turn in their favour and Immaculate Nakisuuyi and Stephani Nampiina delivered just that.
Nakisuuyi smashed her second T20I fifty, bringing it up in 53 balls. The pair continued to show nerves of steel, timing the chase to perfection and amassed 102 runs for the third wicket in 82 balls to bring up Uganda’s first win of the Qualifier.
Nakisuuyi finished with an unbeaten 68 off 64 balls to win the Player of the Match award while Nampiina scored an impressive 33 in 27 balls.
Scores in brief:
Uganda beat USA by eight wickets
USA 110 for 5, 20 overs (Sindhu Sriharsha 26, Disha Dhingra 25; Sarah Akiteng 1-18, Sarah Walaza 1-19)
Uganda 111 for 2, 18.2 overs (Immaculate Nakisuuyi 68 not out, Stephanie Nampiina 33 not out; Geetika Kodali 1-12)
Player of the match – Immaculate Nakisuuyi
