- Zimbabwe HPC: 93/8 in 20 overs (Loryn Phiri 32, Nomvelo Sibanda 2/14)
- Uganda: 92/10 in 19.1 overs (Esther Iloku 54, Consylate Aweko 3/10)
- Zimbabwe won by 1 run
Uganda’s Victoria Pearls saw their hopes of defending the Kwibuka Women’s T20 title crushed in heartbreaking fashion on Thursday afternoon, as Zimbabwe HPC pulled off a dramatic one-run victory in the first semifinal at the Gahanga Oval.
After electing to bowl, Uganda made the perfect start. Kevin Amuge struck with the first ball, setting the tone for a dominant bowling display.
The Pearls suffocated Zimbabwe HPC in the powerplay with tight lines, discipline, and pressure. Amuge (2/11), Phiona Kulume (0/2), and skipper Consylate Aweko (3/10) combined to restrict the Zimbabweans to a modest 93/8.
Only a late counterpunch from Loryn Phiri (32* off 20) gave Zimbabwe any momentum, with no other batter crossing 15. At the halfway mark, Uganda looked well on course to book another final appearance. And that script played out flawlessly until it didn’t.
Esther Iloku delivered a breakthrough performance with the bat, anchoring Uganda’s chase with a fluent 54 off 49 balls, her first international half-century.
Her 44-run opening stand with captain Janet Mbabazi (22) saw the Pearls cruising at 83/1 after 14.4 overs. With only 11 runs needed and 9 wickets in hand, the final seemed a formality.
But what followed stunned the crowd.
Iloku’s dismissal triggered a collapse of epic proportions, 9 wickets for just 9 runs in a span of 24 balls. Uganda’s innings unraveled in panic, poor running and tight bowling.
Nomvelo Sibanda (2/14), Christabel Chatonzwa, and Passionate Munorwei turned up the heat, while Uganda self-destructed under pressure.
The final twist came in the last over.
With Uganda needing five runs, the injured Amuge was down, prompting non-striker Sarah Akiteng to cross over for support.
But the umpires controversially deemed the ball in play, resulting in Akiteng’s run-out and sealing Uganda’s defeat at 92 all out.
Nomvelo Sibanda was the undisputed star with two wickets, a vital 14 runs and direct involvement in six dismissals to earn the Player of the Match honor.
Her all-round brilliance powered Zimbabwe HPC to a final date with Tanzania, who earlier stunned Rwanda.
“It’s a painful loss,” admitted Uganda head coach Deus Muhumuza.
“We had the game in control for three-quarters of it. We will reflect on where we failed to take responsibility as batters and regroup quickly.”
Uganda now turn their attention to tomorrow’s bronze playoff, a rematch against Rwanda, who themselves collapsed for 43 in their semifinal against Tanzania.
