The Victoria Pearls commenced their campaign at the African Games with victory that came in form of a hard-fought 6-wicket win against rivals Kenya on Thursday at Achimota Complex in Ghana.
Despite a fine start that saw them restrict their opponents to only 63 runs, the Victoria Pearls were made to toil for the win.
The side captained by Consy Aweko won the toss, and to back their decision to bowl first, were impressive with both the ball and the fielding.
Immaculate Nakisuyi bundled out two wickets while the trio of Sarah Walaza, Janet Mbabazi and the skipper herself made way with a wicket a piece.
The other three wickets were as a result of run outs that involved five players. Their batting however, reminded the fans of what the team’s major undoing is.
Lawrence Ssematimba, the Victoria Pearls coach maintained the opening partnership of Gloria Obukor and Immaculate Nakisuyi that he invented in India during the side’s tour of the nation in February 2024.
Game of fine margins
Nakisuyi like mentioned above was instrumental with the ball, however, she was let face only four balls. The all-rounder was run out before she could contribute anything to the score.
Esther Iloku who came in for Nakisuyi got dismissed the same manner in the fourth Over.
Kenya were able to add only two more wickets, but had Uganda crawl to the finish line, partly due to their impressive bowling.
The Simba ladies in a game that was reduced to 17 Overs due to the wet outfield gave out only two extras, and had Obukor score only 29 off 48 balls as they took the game to the wire.
The final Over which started with five needed off it was for anyone to take, but with two needed from three, Musamali got her side over the line with a boundary towards long off.
And the Victoria Pearls despite inviting unnecessary pressure were able to hang on as they secured their first victory in Ghana.
Next they will face Zimbabwe on Friday in a top-of-the Group clash. Zimbabwe beat Rwanda by 8 wickets in the other Group B game.
Courtesy Photos
