- Hong Kong Women: 75/4 in 20 overs (Natasha Miles 32, Maryam Bibi 12; Immaculate Nakisuuyi 2/11).
- Uganda Women: 78/2 in 17.2 overs (Immaculate Nakisuuyi 26, Malisa Ariokot 17).
- Uganda Women won by 8 wickets
The Victoria Pearls announced their arrival at the Women’s T20 Quadrangular Series in emphatic fashion, dismantling Hong Kong China Women by eight wickets in the opening match at the Lakeside Oval in Entebbe.
It was a performance that showcased discipline, teamwork, and individual brilliance, with Immaculate Nakisuuyi leading from the front in a Player of the Match display.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Hong Kong Women found themselves shackled by Uganda’s well-drilled bowling attack.
Captain Natasha Miles stood tall with a gritty 32 off 49 balls, stroking three boundaries, but found little support from the rest of the batting lineup.
Mariko Hill (9) and Chan Ka Ying (10) tried to build momentum, while Maryam Bibi’s unbeaten 12 off 14 balls added some late urgency.
However, with runs hard to come by, Hong Kong could only muster 75/4 in their allotted 20 overs.
Uganda’s bowlers were on point throughout the innings. Immaculate Nakisuuyi proved her mettle with a clinical spell of 2/11 in four overs, while Janet Mbabazi and Sarah Walaza chipped in with a wicket each to ensure Hong Kong never truly found their rhythm.
Chasing 76 for victory, Uganda approached the target with patience and control. Immaculate Nakisuuyi, already impressive with the ball, anchored the innings with a composed 26 off 35 balls, striking two boundaries along the way.
She found support in Janet Mbabazi (12), who helped build a solid foundation before Malisa Ariokot (17) guided the side home in 17.2 overs.
With only two wickets lost, the Victoria Pearls hardly broke a sweat, showcasing their composure under pressure.
The disciplined chase was a testament to their growth as a team, proving their ability to handle different match situations with maturity.
The standout performer of the day was undoubtedly Immaculate Nakisuuyi. Her match-winning contributions with both bat and ball highlighted her value to the team, and she was rightly awarded the Player of the Match accolade.
Her ability to control the game in both innings played a crucial role in Uganda’s dominant victory.
With this commanding win, Uganda Women have set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
The victory will serve as a confidence booster as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Women will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
