Rita Musamali managed a game high 35 runs off 41 balls as her side Victoria Pearls (Uganda senior women’s cricket team) beat Botswana by 29 runs (89/6 against 60/9) in the opening day of the 2023 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament at the IPRC Oval in Kigali.
Musamali was unbeaten on the crease and had 5 fours in the process as Uganda who batted first set 89 runs for Botswana to chase.
Kevin Awino followed with 17 runs off 17 runs before she was caught by Tebogo Motlhabaphuti following Florence Samanyika’s delivery. Samanyika picked four wickets throughout the game.
Stephanie Nampiina (12) and Proscovia Alako (10) were the other Victoria Pearls players to manage double figures.
Olila Cricket Club’s teenager Malisa Ariokot got her debut on the crease and managed 2 from 5 before she was bowled by Tuelo Shadrack in the 19th over.
For Botswana’s innings, Thapelo Modise led her side with 18 runs from 37 balls in a losing effort. She was bowled by Victoria Pearls Captain Consy Aweko.
Florence Samanyika who managed 11 runs from 18 balls was the other player to manage double figures for Botswana. She was however runout by Rita Musamali and Kevin Awino.
Irene Alumo was critical in regulating Botswana to just 60 runs as she picked three wickets. Vice Captain Janet Mbabazi picked two wickets while Aweko had one herself.
Uganda return to action on Sunday as they take on hosts Rwanda.
The Victoria Pearls are seeking 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 single round robin with the top two sides meeting in the final.
Match Day 1: Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament
Game 1: Uganda W v Botswana W
Uganda 89/6
Botswana 60/9
Uganda W won by 29 runs.
