The Baby Victoria Pearls defeated hosts Tanzania to claim their first win at the ongoing ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1.
Coming off a loss in their opener against Nigeria, the dominant five-wicket victory at the Estim TCA Cricket Arena was all Uganda needed to keep their eyes on the prize.
Tanzania won the toss and elected to bat first, but the Ugandan bowling attack immediately asserted dominance, bundling the home side out for just 41 runs in 16.1 overs.
Mischelle Ariago led the charge with economical figures of two wickets for eight runs in her four overs, while Sarah Tino claimed two for 10 and Sheirah Namagoba chipped in with two for 11.
Facing a low target of 42, the Baby Victoria Pearls experienced a slow start, losing early wickets when Tanzania’s Dorice Helment ripped through the top order, reducing Uganda to 13/3 and leaving them briefly troubled.
However, composure prevailed as Joan Ilora anchored the chase with an unbeaten 14 off 14 balls. Irene Mutonyi added a composed nine off 17 balls alongside Sarah Tino’s five runs to steady the nerves.
The Baby Victoria Pearls successfully navigated the pressure to reach 42/5 in 9.1 overs, sealing a crucial five-wicket victory to ignite their campaign in Dar es Salaam.
Uganda will be back in action today against Malawi in their final group match of the competition, with their eyes set on a semifinal slot.
