The Victoria Pearls secured a hard fought victory to make it three wins in three at the Kwibuka Women’s T20 tournament following their 5 wicket win over Nigeria at the Gahanga Cricket Oval on Monday.
The Pearls after winning the toss, and sending Nigeria to bat first let the West African nation score 100 runs, and it was a score that caused a scare during their chase.
Nigeria went about their business in the first five Overs meanly, and despite not picking a wicket in those Overs, they gave Uganda only 18 runs. And in the four Overs that followed, the ladies in green squeezed the East African nation, picking three wickets in those Overs.
Once again it was Proscovia Alako who was sent back to the dugout first when she was caught in the last Over of Powerplay. Janet Mbabazi and Rita Musamali then followed both caught as well. The former’s wicket fell in the 9th Over while the latter was dismissed in the tenth one.
But thanks to Stephanie Nampiina and Immaculate Nakisuyi, the game swung back to Uganda who are considered the favourites to win this competition.
Nakisuyi, partnering with her best friend scored a quick 31 which was the highest score for any Ugandan player. With her 22 not out, Nampiina stuck to the wicket to see Uganda through to the finish line.
The Jinja SS player won the Player of the Match award for not only her batting, but also her bowling. The 23-year-old picked the most wanted wicket when she caught and bowled Esther Sandy. The Nigerian knocked a half century of 52 that included two 6s and as many fours.
Evelyn Anyipo and team captain Consy Aweko were the team’s best bowlers. Anyipo claimed two wickets while the skipper had one, but with fewer runs conceded (12). Opener Irene Alumo was the other bowler with a wicket.
The result mean Uganda remain the only side in Rwanda yet to taste defeat. They return to action on Wednesday against Botswana.
