The Victoria Pearls entered the field for their second game of the tournament eyeing back-to-back victories following a win against Hong Kong as they faced hosts Namibia yesterday morning.
However, when the curtain fell on this 2026 Capricorn T20I clash, the contest had to be decided by a Super Over following a thrilling 123-run tie at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek.
The game began with Uganda’s captain, Janet Mbabazi, winning the toss and electing to field first on a competitive surface. That decision paid immediate dividends as the Victoria Pearls’ new-ball pairing applied relentless pressure on the Capricorn Eagles’ top order.
Sarah Walaza struck twice early to remove Namibia’s captain, Sunè Wittmann (24 off 24), and dangerous top-order batter Kayleen Green, who was caught behind by wicketkeeper Esther Iloku for 4 off 8 balls during a dominant opening Powerplay. Seasoned off-spinner Consylate Aweko tightened the screws from the other end, claiming the wicket of Mekelaye Mwatile for just 6 runs.
By the end of the eighth over, Namibia was reeling at 36/3, leaving Uganda firmly in command. Iloku was exceptionally reliable with the gloves throughout the innings, completing two crucial catches and executing a run-out to anchor the Pearls’ fielding effort.
However, Wilka Mwatile injected crucial late-order momentum for the hosts, launching a quickfire 22 off just 14 deliveries, smashing two fours and two towering sixes, before falling to Phiona Egaru Kulume.
Chasing 124 for victory, the Victoria Pearls steady-headed their response. Opener Stephanie Nampiina built a solid platform with a measured 20 off 26 balls before falling in the eighth over, while captain Janet Mbabazi added a stabilizing 20 off 24 deliveries.
Walking in at number three, aggressive batter Proscovia Alako took the fight directly to the hosts, displaying a fearless attack to top-score with a commanding 44 off 39 balls. By the 15th over, the Victoria Pearls were sitting comfortably at 97/2, needing just 27 runs from the final 30 balls with eight wickets in hand.
Just as Uganda appeared destined for a clinical victory, the game turned dramatically on its head. Displaying immense resilience, Namibia reeled the Pearls back in. Immaculate Nakisuuyi was bowled by Wilka Mwatile for 1 in the 19th over, and Malisa Ariokot was run out on the fourth ball of the final over.
With tension at a fever pitch on the very last delivery of the 20th over and scores level at 123, Esther Iloku (9 off 7) attempted to scamper for the winning run. However, a sharp piece of fielding by Sylvia Shihepo resulted in a dramatic run-out, sending the match into a tiebreaker.
Batting first in the six-ball eliminator, Uganda turned to their in-form batter, Proscovia Alako, who struck a crucial boundary on her way to 6 runs off 5 deliveries. Supported by Stephanie Nampiina (1 off 1) alongside extras, the Pearls closed their Super Over on 12 runs.
Defending 12, Captain Mbabazi handed the ball to Aweko for the ultimate test. However, Wilka Mwatile spectacularly rose to the occasion for Namibia once again. Mwatile smashed 12 runs off just 5 balls, highlighted by a boundary and a towering six, before captain Sunè Wittmann added a single to seal a 13-run chase without losing a wicket, handing the hosts a breathtaking Super Over victory.
Match Result:
Namibia: 123/7 (20.0 Overs)
Uganda: 123/7 (20.0 Overs)
Super Over Winner: Namibia
