Uganda Women got their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division One Qualifier campaign back on track with an eight-wicket win against Rwanda in Windhoek on Monday.
Chasing 115, Uganda recovered from the early loss of two wickets to reach 116 for 2 in 16.3 overs, thanks to a decisive third-wicket stand between Rita Musamali and Immaculate Nakisuuyi.
Musamali finished unbeaten on 47 from 37 balls, while Nakisuuyi provided steady support with 43 not out from 42 deliveries. Their partnership of more than 90 runs took the sting out of Rwanda’s attack and sealed the result with 21 balls to spare.
Earlier, Rwanda had looked set for a stronger total when captain Gisele Ishimwe struck 41 off 33 balls and Henriette Ishimwe added 36 from 31 deliveries. The pair gave their side a solid platform, but the innings unraveled after their dismissals.
Rwanda were bowled out for 114 in 19.5 overs, with eight batters failing to reach double figures and the final six wickets falling for just 27 runs.
Uganda’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly. Janet Mbabazi led with 2 for 22, while Nakisuuyi, Sarah Akiteng, Concylate Aweko, and Irene Mutonyi each took two apiece.
The disciplined bowling, backed up by sharp fielding, prevented Rwanda from building momentum after the Ishimwe partnership.
Only Rosine Irera managed to keep things tight with the ball for Rwanda, returning 1 for 7 from her four overs. But the lack of support at the other end left Uganda’s batters free to rotate the strike and find boundaries as the chase progressed.
The win lifts Uganda to second place in Group B with two points and a net run rate of 0.591. Rwanda drop behind them despite their earlier win over Kenya, sitting on a negative run rate.
Uganda now turn their attention to a derby clash with Kenya on September 3, while Rwanda will face group leaders Tanzania in their final outing.
