Kigali, Rwanda | June 8, 2025 – Uganda’s senior women’s national cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, stormed into the semifinals of the 11th Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament after registering their fifth consecutive win — a commanding 50-run triumph over Malawi at Gahanga Main Oval.
Match Summary – Game 5
Uganda: 103/6 in 20 overs
Malawi: 53 all out in 10 overs
Result: Uganda won by 50 runs
Player of the Match: Stephanie Nampiina – 4 overs, 6 wickets for 8 runs
Next Match: Uganda vs. Tanzania – June 10, 10:45 AM, Gahanga Main Oval
Uganda made notable changes to their side, resting mainstay campaigners Kevin Amuge, Sarah Akiteng, and Consy Aweko. The trio of Tino Sarah, Teddy Oyella, and Sarah Walaza were slotted in as the Victoria Pearls were put in to bat after losing the toss — just the second time they have done so at the tournament.
Uganda’s innings got off to a rocky start. Captain Janet Mbabazi was run out in the first over for just 1. Another run-out followed shortly after involving Immaculate Nakisuyi and Esther Iloku. At the end of the powerplay, Uganda was stuttering at 16/2. The middle order steadied the innings: Kevin Awino (31), Rita Musamali (28), and a late blitz from Proscovia Alako (20 off 12) lifted the total to a defendable 103/6. Malawi’s Lucy Malino bagged two wickets, while Lydia Dimba and Christina Bwanali got one apiece.
What followed was a devastating bowling display. Phiona Kulume and Sarah Walaza grabbed early wickets before Stephanie Nampiina unleashed a historic spell of off-spin wizardry. She tore through the Malawian line-up with a jaw-dropping 6-wicket haul for just 8 runs in 4 overs – the best figures of the tournament so far – leaving Malawi reeling at 53 all out in only 10 overs. Wicketkeeping duties off the day were handed to Esther Iloku as premier glove work candidate Kevin Awino contributed this time in the field.
Uganda, now top of the table with 10 points from 5 matches, will enjoy a well-deserved rest day on June 9 before returning to action against Tanzania on June 10 as they bid to finish the round-robin phase unbeaten and possibly emerge through the looming knockout stages unscathed and forthwith retain their crown.
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