USA Innings: 93/7 (20 Overs):
Isani Mahesh Vaghela 21 (28), Nikhar Doshi 17 (18), Aditiba Indrajitsinh Chudasama 16 (19); Malisa Ariokot 2/14, Asumin Akurut 2/18, Sarah Walaza 1/16
Uganda Innings: 94/3 (15.2 Overs): Stephanie Nampiina 37 (44), Rita Musamali 27* (18), Janet Mbabazi 14 (22); Sainavi Kambalapalli 2/18, Taranum Chopra 1/4
The Victoria Pearls, Uganda’s national women’s cricket team, secured their third consecutive victory over the USA at the ongoing Victoria Series in Entebbe.
Uganda extended their winning streak during the afternoon session, driven by impressive performances from Stephanie Nampiina and vice-captain Rita Musamali, who guided the hosts to a comfortable seven-wicket win.
Electing to bat first, the United States struggled to find momentum against a disciplined Ugandan bowling attack backed by an energetic home crowd. Isani Mahesh Vaghela top-scored for the Americans with 21 off 28 balls, supported by Nikhar Doshi (17) and skipper Aditiba Indrajitsinh Chudasama (16).
However, Uganda’s spin and seam attack kept the scoring well under control. Malisa Ariokot set the tone with an economical spell of 2/14 in 4 overs, while Asumin Akurut grabbed 2/18 to restrict the USA to 93/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Chasing a target of 94, the Victoria Pearls staged a measured and confident reply. Openers Janet Mbabazi (14) and Stephanie Nampiina shared a solid 35-run opening partnership to lay the groundwork for the chase.
Following Mbabazi’s dismissal, Nampiina anchored the innings with a fluent 37 off 44 balls, including two boundaries. Musamali then provided the decisive spark, smashing a rapid, unbeaten 27 off 18 balls (strike rate 150.00) to wrap up the victory in 15.2 overs with nearly five overs remaining.
