Uganda’s national women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, delivered a standout performance on Tuesday evening to defeat hosts Namibia by five wickets and level the Capricorn Eagles Series 3-3.
The result, achieved in dramatic fashion on the very last ball at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek, meant the two sides shared the trophy after an evenly contested six-match T20 showdown.
Having won the toss and electing to bowl, Uganda started with intensity, making early inroads through the lively pace of Janet Mbabazi who claimed two key wickets during the powerplay.
Namibia, however, recovered impressively, with Kayleen Green anchoring the innings with a composed 48, while Yasmeen Khan contributed 35 and Wilka Mwatile chipped in with a valuable 21.
The hosts closed on a commanding 139 for 4, the highest total posted in the series, setting Uganda a stiff challenge under pressure.
The Pearls’ reply began in turmoil, losing both openers; Shaikra Saddick and Immaculate Nakisuyi, to avoidable run-outs in the opening three overs.
But the middle order responded with resolve. Wicketkeeper-batter Esther Iloku, Uganda’s standout performer with the bat throughout the tournament, stood tall once again with a well-compiled 36 before falling to a sharp return catch off Eveleen Kejarukua, who was Namibia’s most economical bowler on the day with 1 for 16.
With the scoreboard reading 62 for 4, vice-captain Rita Musamali and the experienced Stephanie Nampiina took charge, guiding the chase with a measured and intelligent 69-run stand.
Musamali’s authoritative 40 and Nampiina’s brisk 39 off 30 balls helped shift momentum Uganda’s way, yet with 12 runs required off the final over, the match was far from won.
Namibia’s fielding, solid for much of the innings, unraveled under pressure. A series of misfields and overthrows opened the door for Uganda.
On the very last delivery, with two runs needed, chaos and composure collided.
Nampiina was run out attempting a desperate second run, but a fumbling effort in the deep allowed Uganda to steal a third run, sparking wild celebrations from the Pearls’ dugout.
She was later named Player of the Match for her all-round efforts, and described the game as a test of mental strength and clarity under pressure.
“By the time I entered, there were so many balls to play. So I told myself that all I have to do with my batting partner is to get singles and some boundaries. I am happy to have contributed to the victory,” she said.
Uganda captain Janet Mbabazi praised her team’s fighting spirit and highlighted the depth in their ranks.
“We wanted to express ourselves and take our third win home. The girls worked hard and showed great belief.”
Uganda’s Esther Iloku finished as the tournament’s Best Batter with 147 runs at an average of 24, while veteran spinner Consy Aweko claimed the Best Bowler accolade with six wickets for 92 runs across 24 overs.
Namibia’s all-rounder Wilka Mwatile was named the Most Valuable Player for her all-action performances, scoring 102 runs, taking six wickets, and contributing to three fielding dismissals.
