Working Out A Plan: Kevin Awino (L) top scored for Uganda with 28 runs and Immy Nakisuuyi (R) got 9 runs only but their knocks were too slow as they faced 51 and 23 balls respectively. PHOTO/COURTESY-NAMIBIA CRICKET
The Victoria Pearls endured a 23-run loss to hosts Namibia in Game 3 of the ongoing Capricorn Eagles Series at the Cricket Namibia High Performance Oval in Windhoek on Friday evening.
Uganda won the toss and opted to bowl first, introducing two changes to the playing XI. Young seamer Irene Mutoni and pacer Sarah Walaza were brought into the side in place of all-rounder Phiona Kulume and towering opening bowler Evelyn Anyipo.
Namibia’s top order stood tall, with free-hitting opener Kayleen Green anchoring their innings with a well-paced 48 off 42 balls. She was ably supported by Suné Wittmann (29 off 26), helping the home side to a competitive 124/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Consy Aweko claimed 2 wickets.
In reply, Uganda struggled to build momentum early in their innings. The decision to promote wicketkeeper Kevin Awino back to the top of the order — her first time opening since 2023 — saw her play a cautious knock of 28 off 51 balls*. However, wickets fell at regular intervals with Esther Iloku, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, and Ritah Musamali departing cheaply. Despite a spirited 24* off 23 from Malisa Ariokot and a generous 20 extras from the Namibians, Uganda got only 101/4.
Speaking after the game, Victoria Pearls coach Deus Muhumuza identified dot balls as a critical issue: “It’s something we have to address immediately,” he remarked, after his side consumed 65 dot balls in the chase.
Team captain Janet Mbabazi echoed the concern and called for greater urgency in the powerplay: “We need to be more proactive at the top of the order. We’ll go back, reflect, and come out better.”
The Pearls will return to action tomorrow, April 12 for Game 4 of the six-match series.
CAPRICORN EAGLES SERIES – MATCH THREE SUMMARY
Namibia: 124/5 in 20 overs
Uganda: 101/4 in 20 overs
Namibia won by 23 runs
NEXT FIXTURE - Saturday, April 12, 2025
? 3PM EAT Namibia vs Uganda
? High Performance Oval, Windhoek
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