Uganda’s Victoria Pearls ended their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers campaign in disappointment, finishing fourth after a narrow six-run loss to Tanzania in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
This was Tanzania’s second time in one week to face the Pearls in the tournament and both times ended in defeat.
After Thursday’s heavy semifinal defeat to Zimbabwe, the Pearls hoped to leave Namibia with a bronze medal.
Batting first, Tanzania posted 109/5, led by Umary Hudaa’s unbeaten 45 off 34 balls and Neema Pius’ 33 off 43. Consy Aweko was Uganda’s standout bowler, taking 2/14 in her four overs.
Chasing 110, Uganda pinned hopes on in-form batter Esther Iloku, who top-scored with 45 off 45 balls.
But her dismissal in the 15th over at 80/4 triggered a collapse, and the Pearls were bowled out for 103 in 19.4 overs.
The fourth-place finish caps a frustrating campaign for Uganda, who had reached the global qualifiers two years ago after an unbeaten run.
This time, they managed only two wins against Rwanda and Kenya, falling short against the region’s strongest sides.
Head coach Deus Muhumuza admitted the disappointment but vowed to rebuild, with the team expected back home Sunday to reset and focus on future competitions.
