Uganda’s national women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, extended their unbeaten streak at the 11th Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament with a hard-fought 20-run win over Tanzania at Gahanga Main Oval.
The result marked their sixth consecutive victory, keeping them firmly on course for the knockout stages.
Batting first after losing the toss, Uganda posted 99 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Janet Mbabazi led from the front with a composed 34 runs off 32 balls, holding the innings together after a middle-order stumble.
The Pearls had reached 37 without loss in the powerplay, but Tanzania struck twice in the 10th over to halt their momentum. Esther Iloku was the first to fall, caught at point off Justine Pius Neema, followed shortly by Immaculate Nakisuyi for a duck.
Mbabazi’s departure in the 13th over was followed by another quick dismissal, but cameos from Rita Musamali (14) and Proscovia Alako (12) ensured Uganda reached a competitive total.
Tanzanian bowlers Neema and Ushanga Hamsi Mwananvua claimed two wickets each, but failed to fully capitalise on Uganda’s sluggish scoring, despite the East African side being penalised for a slow over rate.
In response, Tanzania started steadily, reaching 27 without loss by the sixth over. However, the Ugandan bowlers mounted a strong comeback, sparked by Phiona Kulume’s dismissal of Neema.
Mbabazi then delivered a crucial blow by bowling Tanzania’s captain Fatma Kibasu for 12, and the innings began to unravel.
Veteran spinner Consy Aweko, returning to the XI in place of Teddy Oyella, struck soon after to remove Hudaa Omary Mrisho, while Stephanie Nampiina trapped Jeniffa Kimaro LBW.
A sharp run-out accounted for Shufaa Mohamed, and Tanzania eventually folded for 79 in 18 overs.
Mbabazi’s all-round performance – 34 runs, two wickets for 17 runs in four overs, and a catch – earned her the Player of the Match award for the third time in the tournament.
Uganda, now on 12 points from six matches, will face Nigeria in their next fixture on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:45 AM at the same venue.
