Kenya Women seek survival, while the Victoria Pearls are charging for progression to the semi-finals in the penultimate final Group B fixture of the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.
With Uganda holding steadier ground and Kenya desperate to avoid early elimination, this East African rivalry promises pulsating action and high stakes.
Early Momentum — A Tale of Two Starts
Uganda come into this match buoyed by a strong opening performance – a dominant 8-wicket win over Rwanda.
Multiple players made significant contributions, none more so than Immaculate Nakisuuyi, who starred with 43 off 42* and claimed 2/20 with the ball, earning Player of the Match honours.
Complementing her effort, Janet Mbabazi also made her presence felt, taking 2 wickets for 22 runs and anchoring the innings with 17 off 17.
Kenya, despite a 6-wicket loss to Rwanda, unearthed inspiring individual performances. Queentor Abel added crucial lower-order resistance with 11 off 11 balls.
The real highlight, however, was Melvin Khagoitsa’s devastating bowling—5 wickets for 13 runs against Tanzania—though that was in Kenya’s second game and remains their brightest spark so far.
Team Form: Strengths and Struggles
Uganda Women (1 win, 1 loss, 2 points, NRR +0.591) come in strong after an 8-wicket win over Rwanda. Nakisuuyi, Mbabazi, Ritah Musamali, Consylate Aweko and young Esther Iloku all proving instrumental.
Kenya Women (0 wins, 2 losses, 0 points, NRR -0.973) are struggling but hopeful. Melvin Khagoitsa’s 5/13 against Tanzania was a standout, and Queentor Abel’s 11 off 11 against Rwanda showed grit.
Esther Wachira’s batting (567 runs) and bowling, plus Lavendah Idambo’s big hits, keep Kenya fighting. Ann Wanjira’s steady bowling and Veronica Abuga’s calm batting add strength.
Head-to-Head and Tactical Outlook
Uganda’s edge lies in their collective strength – batting depth and disciplined bowling that already paid dividends. In contrast, Kenya’s game hinges on flashes of brilliance from individuals like Abel and Khagoitsa.
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Uganda’s strategy: Build innings around Nakisuuyi’s all-round impact, reinforce with depth from Mbabazi and Musamali, and rely on their bowling quartet to apply pressure consistently.
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Kenya’s hope: Lean on Queentor Abel’s stability, unleash Khagoitsa’s swing magic, and hope the lower order—especially Lavendah Idambo—can change the game’s momentum late.
What’s at Stake
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Uganda can strengthen their claim for a top-two finish and inch closer to qualification for the global stage.
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Kenya must win to keep their hopes alive. Another defeat likely spells the end of their campaign – making this a must-win contest.