- Uganda W 105/5 in 20 Overs (Janet Mbabazi 26, Stephanie Nampiina 22)
- Zimbabwe Emerging 101/9 in 20 Overs (Christabel Chantozwa 27, Nyasha Gwanzura 19)
- Uganda won by 4 runs
Uganda’s Victoria Pearls continued their impressive run at the 2025 Kwibuka Cricket Tournament with a thrilling 4-run victory over Zimbabwe Emerging on Thursday morning at the Gahanga Main Oval.
The narrow win marks Uganda’s second consecutive triumph in the competition, keeping their momentum alive as they eye the title.
Zimbabwe won the toss and sent Uganda in to bat first, a move that initially paid off. Uganda’s innings was built on grit and recovery after early setbacks.
Star all-rounder and captain Janet Mbabazi once again led from the front, scoring a solid 26 off 27 balls, supported by Stephanie Nampiina (22*) and Proscovia Alako (18).
Despite a rocky middle order and tight Zimbabwean bowling, notably Christabel Chatonzwa’s miserly spell of 2/8 in 4 overs, Uganda managed to post a competitive 105 for 5 in their 20 overs, aided by 24 extras.
In reply, Zimbabwe Emerging looked promising at 37 for 1 by the sixth over, thanks to a quickfire 27 from Chatonzwa. But Uganda’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding turned the tide.
Consylate Aweko Nimungu struck twice in her spell while Janet Mbabazi, Sarah Walaza and Sarah Akiteng each chipped in with crucial wickets.
Uganda’s fielding proved decisive, effecting three run outs that derailed Zimbabwe’s chase.
Zimbabwe needed 11 runs from the final over but were eventually restricted to 101/9, falling agonizingly short. Mitchell Mavunga’s unbeaten 18 wasn’t enough to push her side over the line.
Janet Mbabazi’s all-round brilliance with both bat (26) and ball (1/10 in 4 overs) earned her a second straight Player of the Match award. Speaking after the game, she praised her team’s collective effort:
“It was a bit of a challenge because the wicket was down here and there, but the girls did amazing,” she said.
“Stephanie, Proscovia, Walaza, and Kevin Amuge really came through. It was a massive team effort that made us win this game.”
With this win, the Victoria Pearls remain undefeated and full of confidence. They return to action tomorrow (Friday) against Sierra Leone at the Gahanga B Oval, with the match set to begin at 10:45 AM EAT.
