Sports
Uganda advance to Victoria Series final after dispatching USA
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Uganda posted a total of 105/6, largely on the back of Nampiina's impressive innings.
Uganda will now face Rwanda in an East African derby at Entebbe Oval on Saturday. (Courtesy photos)
By: Faith Kiai, Journalist @New Vision
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Victoria Cricket Series
Uganda 105/6 (20 overs)
USA 91/9 (20 overs)
Uganda won by 14 runs
Namibia 58 (17 overs)
Rwanda 59/6 (15.5 overs)
Rwanda won by four wickets
Final
Uganda v Rwanda (Saturday, 2:00 pm)
Uganda bounced back from their previous two matches to secure a 14-run victory over the USA at Entebbe Oval on Thursday, booking their place in the Victoria Cricket Series final.
The Victoria Pearls were under considerable pressure and needed a strong performance, which they delivered, thanks largely to opening batter Stephanie Nampiina. She became the first player to score a half-century in the tournament with a crucial 53 runs.
Uganda v Rwanda (Saturday, 2:00 pm)
Uganda bounced back from their previous two matches to secure a 14-run victory over the USA at Entebbe Oval on Thursday, booking their place in the Victoria Cricket Series final.
The Victoria Pearls were under considerable pressure and needed a strong performance, which they delivered, thanks largely to opening batter Stephanie Nampiina. She became the first player to score a half-century in the tournament with a crucial 53 runs.
Player of the match Stephanie Nampiina.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Uganda posted a total of 105/6, largely on the back of Nampiina's impressive innings.
Nampiina scored 53 runs off 51 balls to set the tone for the Pearls. She anchored the innings before being dismissed while attempting to clear the cover fielder.
She received good support from Rita Musamali, who contributed 22 runs. Uganda struggled to maintain momentum during the remainder of the innings but eventually posted 105.
“I feel so happy that we made it to the final. Today, I just had to stay at the crease for a long time because, as a batting unit, we have failed to do that effectively,” said Nampiina.
Uganda initially struggled to contain the USA's opening batters, with Sarah Walaza conceding 15 runs in the first over. The pitch proved particularly challenging for the pace bowlers, making it a day for the spinners and slower bowlers to take centre stage.
Captain Janet Mbabazi and her bowling unit eventually found their rhythm, putting Uganda in a strong position to defend their total.
“Our confidence is back up. We knew we had to win this game in order to be able to play in the final on Saturday, and I am glad that Stephanie was able to step up for the team. Asumin came in to bowl for us, while Consy (Aweko), Malisa (Ariokot) and I also played our part,” said Mbabazi.
Uganda will need plenty of patience and confidence if they are to win the series. The Victoria Series has produced several surprises, including the USA's one-wicket victory over Namibia on Wednesday.
Uganda will now face Rwanda in an East African derby at Entebbe Oval on Saturday.
Nampiina scored 53 runs off 51 balls to set the tone for the Pearls. She anchored the innings before being dismissed while attempting to clear the cover fielder.
She received good support from Rita Musamali, who contributed 22 runs. Uganda struggled to maintain momentum during the remainder of the innings but eventually posted 105.
“I feel so happy that we made it to the final. Today, I just had to stay at the crease for a long time because, as a batting unit, we have failed to do that effectively,” said Nampiina.
Uganda initially struggled to contain the USA's opening batters, with Sarah Walaza conceding 15 runs in the first over. The pitch proved particularly challenging for the pace bowlers, making it a day for the spinners and slower bowlers to take centre stage.
Captain Janet Mbabazi and her bowling unit eventually found their rhythm, putting Uganda in a strong position to defend their total.
“Our confidence is back up. We knew we had to win this game in order to be able to play in the final on Saturday, and I am glad that Stephanie was able to step up for the team. Asumin came in to bowl for us, while Consy (Aweko), Malisa (Ariokot) and I also played our part,” said Mbabazi.
Uganda will need plenty of patience and confidence if they are to win the series. The Victoria Series has produced several surprises, including the USA's one-wicket victory over Namibia on Wednesday.
Uganda will now face Rwanda in an East African derby at Entebbe Oval on Saturday.