Kigali, Rwanda | June 12, 2025 – The Victoria Pearls will face Zimbabwe High Performance Centre (HPC) in the semifinals of the 11th Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament tomorrow. Despite a strong start to the tournament, Uganda head into the knockouts on the back of two narrow defeats — a five-run loss to Nigeria on June 11 and a five-wicket loss to hosts Rwanda yesterday at the iconic Gahanga Stadium.
Match Summary – Game 8
Uganda: 119/6 in 20 overs
Rwanda: 120/5 in 18.4 overs
Result: Rwanda won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Diane Marie Bimenyimana – 46 runs off 44 balls (6 boundaries)
Next Match: Uganda vs. Zimbabwe HPC – Tomorrow, June 13, Semifinal, 10:45 AM, Gahanga
Uganda were sent in to bat after losing the toss to Rwanda. Captain Janet Mbabazi and Esther Iloku started brightly, with Mbabazi hitting a boundary off the first ball. But a double breakthrough in the fourth over derailed the momentum, as both openers fell to Rosine Irera. Middle-order contributions from Immaculate Nakisuuyi (44), Kevin Awino (8) and Rita Musamali (36) steadied the innings as Uganda pushed past the 100-run mark, posting their best total of the tournament so far – 119/6 in 20 overs.
In reply, Rwanda capitalised on Uganda’s fielding lapses. Captain Diane Marie Bimenyimana anchored the chase with a composed 46, while Clarisse Umutoniwase added a steady 25. Despite a late breakthrough from Sarah Akiteng, the hosts sealed the win with eight balls to spare.
Assistant Coach Brian Masaba admitted: “It’s tough to lose back-to-back games. We played well in parts, but we must be more clinical – especially in the field. We have to regroup fast. Zimbabwe HPC is a quality side, and we must bring our best to make the final.”
Uganda finished second on the table, tied on 12 points with Zimbabwe HPC but ahead due to a superior net run rate (1.696). When the two sides met earlier, Uganda edged a tense thriller by four runs defending 105.
Today’s semifinal promises fireworks, with Uganda banking on their experience and ranking (17th) to overcome a Zimbabwe side boasting players like Nomvelo Sibanda, Christabel Chantozwa, Loreen Tshuma and Nyasha Gwanzura.
For Uganda, captain Mbabazi, Iloku, Musamali, Nakisuuyi, and Awino will need to click in unison — with the bowlers hoping for a stronger showing from the fielders to support a final push.
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