Uganda’s women’s national cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, claimed a tense four-run victory over Zimbabwe Emerging at the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament on Thursday, maintaining their unbeaten run at the Gahanga International Stadium in Kigali.
The narrow win followed their dominant opening match against Cameroon and keeps the defending champions firmly on course for a successful title defence.
After being sent in to bat, Uganda posted a modest 105 for 5 from their 20 overs, with captain Janet Mbabazi leading the way with a gritty 26.
She found support in the middle order from Stephanie Nampiina (22 not out) and Prosscovia Alako (18), while the Zimbabwean bowlers kept things tight throughout.
Christabel Chatonzwa was the standout with the ball, picking up 2 for 16 in her four overs, while Passionate Munorwei and Lindhokuhle Mabhera claimed a wicket apiece.
Despite the low total, Uganda’s bowlers rose to the occasion on a pitch offering some assistance.
Veteran bowler Consylate Aweko turned in a superb spell, finishing with figures of 2 for 12 from her four overs, while Mbabazi, Sarah Akiteng, Sarah Walaza and Kevin Amuge each took a wicket to keep Zimbabwe in check.
Zimbabwe Emerging faltered early in their chase, slipping to 38 for 3 by the eighth over. Although lower-order contributions pushed them close, a series of run-outs at crucial moments and disciplined bowling at the death helped Uganda restrict them to 101 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Mbabazi also had an impact with the ball, picking up the key wicket of opposition captain Chiyedza Dhururu, while Immaculate Nakisuyi was involved in two vital run-outs that stemmed Zimbabwe’s momentum.
With two wins from two, the Victoria Pearls now shift focus to their next fixture against Sierra Leone on Friday as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back Kwibuka titles.
