Gloria Obukor notched a half century as the Victoria Pearls edged Zimbabwe by 6 runs on Tuesday to register their first win in India.
Obukor last featured for Uganda last year in April at the Capricorn Series in Namibia, but on her return to the team, she was tasked to open the batting.
The 23-year-old didn’t disappoint; she repaid the faith by notching a 50 off 37, inspiring her side to a decent score of 145/6.
Obukor had a sound partnership with Esther Iloku (32) who when the former fell in the 12th Over, steered the innings up until the 18.5 Over when she was caught.
Before the duo falling, they had strung together a partnership of 43.
The two anchored a decent innings for Uganda, but Lawrence Ssematimba‘s side was also aided by the poor bowling from Zimbabwe who gave out 22 extras.
Having beaten Uganda on Sunday, Zimbabwe looked like a team headed for a second win at the start of their innings. Evelyn Anyipo, Uganda’s opening bowler was dismantled in the first Over. The opener conceded 19 runs in that Over, giving the Lady Chevrons a perfect start.
Ruthless Consy Aweko
Zimbabwe saw off the power play with a resounding 61/1. But when Consy Aweko, the Victoria Pearls captain introduced herself into the attack in the eighth Over, the direction changed.
Aweko picked two wickets, big ones at that, in her first and third Over. Chiyedza Dhururu was her first victim before clean bowling her opposite number, Mary Anne Musonda.
Her bowling also brought about the wicket of Kelis Ndhlovu, Zimbabwe’s top scorer with 39, who was run out in the 9.4 Over.
Aweko did all that damage while conceding only 9 runs. She came out with the best bowling figures at an economy of 2.25.
Both Uganda and Zimbabwe are in India for a training camp as both teams prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers due in Dubai in April.
The two sides are placed in Group A and B respectively, with Uganda sharing the group with Scotland, Thailand, United States and Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe is pitted against Ireland, Netherlands, Vanuatu and the hosts United Arab Emirates.
Courtesy Photos
