Uganda’s Victoria Pearls delivered a commanding performance to claim the Women’s Day T20 Cup title with a resounding 8-wicket victory over Namibia at Entebbe Cricket Oval. The home side showcased tactical brilliance, making a key lineup adjustment by bringing in Sarah Walaza for Alako Proscovia to bolster their bowling attack—a move that paid off handsomely in the final showdown.
Namibia, after winning the toss and opting to bat, suffered an early collapse as their captain, Sune Wittmann, fell in the very first over. The Ugandan bowlers tightened their grip, reducing Namibia to a dismal 30/6 at the halfway mark. Despite a spirited effort from Wilka Mwatiles (22) and Mekelaye (23), Namibia could only muster a modest 71/9 in 20 overs. Janet Mbabazi spearheaded Uganda’s bowling assault with a remarkable spell, taking 4 wickets for just 19 runs in her three overs.
Uganda’s chase began with a setback as captain Janet Mbabazi was dismissed off the first ball, but the team quickly regained composure. By the tenth over, Uganda had reached a stable 44/2, with Iloku Esther chipping in with a crucial 17 runs. The match’s defining moment came from Immaculate Nakisuyi, who played an elegant, unbeaten 30-run innings and complemented her batting heroics with two stunning catches in the field, earning her the Player of the Match accolade.
The Victoria Pearls’ triumph was a culmination of a stellar tournament run. They opened with an emphatic 8-wicket win over Hong Kong China, followed by a heartbreaking one-wicket loss to Nepal. However, they rebounded with a thrilling one-run victory over Nepal and a 4-wicket triumph against Hong Kong before a crushing 74-run win over Namibia secured their place in the final. Their dominant performance in the championship decider solidified their status as the best team in the tournament.
The individual brilliance of Uganda’s stars was recognized in the awards ceremony. Natasha Miles was named Best Batter, Janet Mbabazi took home the Best Bowler award, and the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) honor deservedly went to Immaculate Nakisuyi. With this victory, Uganda has sent a strong statement about their growing dominance in women’s cricket.
