Uganda women’s senior cricket team, the Victoria Pearls have progressed to the semifinals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers after their somewhat comfortable 4 wicket win against one of the pre-tournament favourites Namibia.
The Victoria Pearls opened this tournament with a convincing win on Sunday when they beat neighbors Rwanda by 6 wickets, putting themselves in confident mood with that victory as Namibia was next.
Namibia alongside Zimbabwe are the top ranked teams in this competition and Namibia also won their opener so like the Pearls had a perfect start.
Uganda asked Namibia to bat when the captain Consy Aweko won the toss, and the Capricorn Eagles were restricted to 93 all out.
Collective effort from the Victoria Pearls
Uganda’s bowling figures were very impressive! Aside from Irene Alumo who bowled just one Over (the opening), all bowlers picked at least a wicket.
Aweko led by example in this innings! The skipper plucked three wickets and conceded only 16 from her four Overs.
Lorna Anyait, one of the teenagers in the team was exceptional with the ball as well. The 17- year old had three to her name.
Vice captain and all-rounder Janet Mbabazi however, had the best economy – 3.5. The 28-year-old conceded only 14 runs off her full Overs.
Aweko, then ensured Uganda win the game with an Over spare with her 11 runs. The skipper drove the ball towards deep square leg for a four that completed the chase in the penultimate Over.
Wicketkeeper Kevin Awino (13), Mbabazi (10), all rounder Rita Musamali (16), Immaculate Nakisuyi (10) and Malisa Ariokot the other teenager on the team all had their names on the score board in double figures as the Pearls collectively beat the Capricorn Eagles.
Uganda who maintained the top spot in their group, will take a one day break and return to action on Thursday against Nigeria in their final group game.
Courtesy Photos
