Victoria Pearls needed a break during the inaugural ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in Bangkok, Thailand. They had played five matches and won only once; with the last two being heavy defeats against UAE and Thailand.
Their next opponent: neighbours Tanzania who, in recent meetings, had not only closed the gap to Uganda but also clinched positive results.
On paper at the Emerging Nations Trophy, Tanzania were the closest to a victory Uganda would come in the tournament where crucial ranking points are available for the taking as associate countries compete for places in upcoming tournaments next year.
So this match was crucial to both countries. And it is the Victoria Pearls who came out on top.
Captain Janet Mbabazi won the toss and chose the ball. Her bowling attack dismissed all Tanzanian batters with one ball left to play in the innings but only gave away 54 runs. This was the first time the Victoria Pearls bowled out their opponent at the tournament.
The batters came out guns blazing and chased down that half century within the thirteenth over for the loss of just three wickets.
Result – Match Six (November 28)
Victoria Pearls vs Tanzania at Asian Institute of Technology Ground, Bangkok
Uganda 55/3 (12.3 ov) beat Tanzania 54 all out (19.5 ov) by 7 wickets
Player Of The Match: Immaculate Nakisuuyi 2/12 (4.0 ov) bowling & 2 off 9 (batting)
Immaculate Nakisuuyi, who is the new entrant in the 1500 WT20i Runs Club, was named player of the match for her economic bowling.
The Victoria Pearls won the match in a similar fashion to that which they had lost the previous two; smash and grab.
They will be hoping to avoid another slump in form when they take to the oval at the Asian Institute of Technology Grounds on Sunday morning. The Netherlands will be their final opponent at the tournament.
Next Fixture – Match Seven – Sunday, November 30
Netherlands vs Uganda – Asian Institute of Technology Ground, 5.30 am (EAT)
