Kigali, Rwanda | June 10, 2025 –The Victoria Pearls, maintained their perfect record at the 11th Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament with a tense 20-run victory over regional rivals Tanzania at Gahanga Main Oval, registering their sixth straight win and continuing their march toward the knockout stages.
Match Summary – Game 6
Uganda: 99/6 in 20 overs
Tanzania: 79 all out in 18 overs
Result: Uganda won by 20 runs
Player of the Match: Janet Mbabazi – 34 runs off 32 balls, 2/17 in 4 overs, 1 catch
Next Match: Uganda vs. Nigeria – June 11, 10:45 AM, Gahanga Main Oval
Tanzania won the toss and elected to field first under sunny skies, a welcome change from the cloudy conditions earlier in the tournament. Uganda brought in experienced Consy Aweko in place of Teddy Oyella.
Uganda’s openers got off to a cautious but promising start, reaching 37 without loss at the end of the powerplay. The breakthrough for Tanzania came in the 10th over when Esther Iloku (16) was caught at point by Ushanga Hamsi Mwananvua off Justine Pius Neema. A second wicket fell just balls later, with Immaculate Nakisuyi departing for a duck, leaving Uganda at 54/2 midway through their innings.
Captain Janet Mbabazi anchored the innings with a measured 34 off 32 balls but fell in the 13th over. Her dismissal was immediately followed by the wicket of Stephanie Nampiina, as Uganda’s middle order struggled to maintain momentum. Rita Musamali (14) and Proscovia Alako (12) added useful runs, but Uganda could only manage 99/6 after 20 overs. Tanzania's bowlers – Neema and Mwananvua – took two wickets apiece, while Uganda failed to fully capitalise on Tanzania’s slow over rate penalty.
In reply, Tanzania made a strong start, reaching 27 without loss after six overs. But the tide turned when Phiona Kulume removed Neema (19) and Mbabazi clean-bowled Tanzanian captain Fatma Kibasu (12). Consy Aweko then bowled Hudaa Omary Mrisho before Nampiina trapped Jeniffa Kimaro LBW.
A pivotal run-out of Shufaa Mohamed added to Tanzania’s woes, and their chase collapsed under mounting pressure. Uganda’s bowlers remained composed, dismissing Tanzania for 79 in 18 overs to complete a gritty win. Mbabazi’s all-round excellence earned her a third Player of the Match accolade.
With 12 points from six matches, Uganda will face Nigeria tomorrow morning aiming to continue a perfect group stage run.
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