Esther Iloku credited a premeditated batting plan for Uganda’s narrow win over Namibia in the opening game of the Capricorn Eagles Series on Monday, as the Victoria Pearls held on for a tense two-run victory at the High Performance Oval.
“We had a plan when Stephanie joined me in the middle,” said Iloku, who was named Player of the Match for her 47-run knock and a catch in the field.
“We aimed for 105, but even though we fell short, I’m proud to have contributed to the team’s win,” she added.
Iloku’s fourth-wicket stand with Stephanie Nampiina was the turning point for Uganda, rescuing the side from 31/3 at the halfway mark to post a defendable 98/5 in 20 overs.
Their 56-run partnership came after early setbacks saw Janet Mbabazi and Immaculate Nakisuuyi fall cheaply.
Mbabazi also praised the fightback, particularly highlighting Iloku’s composure and the bowling unit’s discipline.
“Despite the early setbacks, Esther stood tall,” Mbabazi said. “I’m proud of her, and our spinners — Akiteng, Consy, and Immaculate — were brilliant in the final overs.”
Namibia came close in the chase, needing 10 runs off the final over and four off the last delivery after a no-ball, but Uganda held their nerve to close out the game.
Sarah Akiteng’s bowling spell stood out — 3 wickets for just 6 runs in her four overs — while captain Consy Aweko and Nakisuuyi kept things tight to stifle Namibia’s run flow.
Both teams impressed in the field, with Namibia’s Arrasta Diergaardt drawing applause for a highlight-reel catch.
The series continues tomorrow, Wednesday 10th April with the second T20I scheduled for 3:00 PM EAT at the same venue.
