Uganda senior women’s cricket team, Victoria Pearls have condemned all sides to defeat in the first round of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament which currently ongoing in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Ugandan side capped round one of the annual tournament with a 13-run win (85 all out against 72 all out) over neighbors Kenya on Tuesday at Gahanga Cricket Stadium.
Victoria Pearls remain the only unbeaten side in the four-nation two-round robin event having condemned hosts Rwanda and Botswana to defeats earlier on.
Against Kenya, Stephanie Nampiina led the way for Victoria Pearls who were made to bat first. She posted a game high 37 runs from 36 balls, comprised one 4 fours and 1 six. She was later caught by Lavendah lidambo following Flavia Odhiambo’s delivery.
Immaculate Nakisuuyi was the other Victoria Pearls player to post double figures. She managed 12 runs from 18 balls before she fell to Odhiambo’s ball. The Kenyan picked four wickets in total.
Queentor Abel led Kenya’s chase but in a losing effort. She managed a team high 18 runs but from 26 balls before falling to Stephanie Nampiina’s ball. Nampiina picked two wickets in total.
Venesa Ooko (14) and skipper Esther Wachira (13) were the other Kenyans to post double figures.
Victoria Pearls return to action, today, Wednesday with two games on the card. They face Botswana in the morning and Kenya in the afternoon.
The Victoria Pearls are in pursuit for a third Kwibuka title. They have won the tournament twice (2014& 2016). Uganda is the highest ranked team in the tournament at 19th in the World which makes them the favorites for the tournament. Kwibuka record winners Kenya are ranked 23rd, hosts Rwanda 26th, Nigeria 29th and Botswana 41st. This will be the sixth time Uganda has been at the Kwibuka tournament since its inception.
The tournament has T20 international status. The teams will play a double round robin with the top two sides meeting in the final.
Match Result:
Uganda 85 all out
Kenya 72 all out
Uganda won by 13 runs
