Kigali, Rwanda | June 5, 2025 – The Victoria Pearls, made it two wins in two at the 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament with a hard-fought 4-run victory over Zimbabwe High Performance Centre (HPC) in a tense clash at the iconic Gahanga Main Oval.
Match Summary – Game 2
Uganda (Victoria Pearls): 105/5 in 20 overs
Zimbabwe HPC: 101/9 in 20 overs
Result: Uganda won by 4 runs
Player of the Match: Janet Mbabazi (26 runs & 1 wicket for 10 runs in 4 overs)
Next Match: Uganda vs. Sierra Leone – Tomorrow, 10:45AM, Gahanga Oval
Zimbabwe HPC won the toss and chose to bowl first on a damp pitch under overcast skies. The Victoria Pearls made one change from their opening win over Cameroon, bringing in experienced spinner Consy Aweko in place of debutant Sarah Tino.
Opening the batting, Janet Mbabazi (26) looked composed, but wickets fell around her as Uganda struggled to build partnerships. Contributions from Proscovia Alako (18) and a calm, unbeaten 22* from Stephanie Nampiina helped the Pearls recover and post a competitive 105/5. Zimbabwe’s bowlers were effective, especially Christabel Chatonzwa, (2 wickets), but 24 extras proved costly for the Southern Africans.
In reply, Zimbabwe HPC began steadily, with Chatonzwa (27) threatening to take the game away before Aweko struck in the fifth over. The Pearls bowled with discipline and intensity, led by Mbabazi and Aweko, both conceding just 10 and 12 runs respectively in their 4-over spells.
The match hung in the balance late on. Zimbabwe needed 18 from two overs, but a crucial breakthrough from Kevin Amuge — dismissing the dangerous Loreen Tshuma (23) — swung the momentum back to Uganda. Sarah Walaza then held her nerve in the final over, removing Michelle Mavunga (14) to seal a thrilling win. Janet Mbabazi was named Player of the Match for her all-round contribution with bat and ball.
Speaking after the game, Victoria Pearls vice-captain Rita Musamali reflected: “Despite the win, we didn’t play our best cricket. We lacked intent with the bat and gave away easy runs in the field. Our field placements need work. We’ll regroup and improve ahead of tomorrow’s match.”
Uganda return to action tomorrow against Sierra Leone, aiming to continue their unbeaten run at 10:45 AM.