Uganda clinches sixth straight Kwibuka T20 win over Tanzania

Kwibuka Women’s T20

Results

Uganda 99/6 in 20 overs

Tanzania 79 in 18 overs

Uganda won by 20 runs

Fixtures

 Wednesday

Uganda v Nigeria 10:30 am

Uganda notched their sixth consecutive victory at the Kwibuka Women’s T20 tournament with a commanding 20-run win over Tanzania at the Gahanga Oval in Kigali, Rwanda.

It was a tricky start once again for the Victoria Pearls, with Tanzania winning the toss and opting to field in the favourable morning conditions. But Uganda stood firm. Openers Esther Iloku (16) and captain Janet Mbabazi (32) laid a good foundation. Iloku fell first, caught out, while Immaculate Nakisuuyi was bowled for a duck.

Despite those setbacks, Uganda had already crossed the 50-run mark, leaving the middle order with a platform to build on.

Rita Musamali (14) steadied the innings, and Proscovia Alako (12) chipped in with key shots that kept the scoreboard ticking. Although wickets continued to tumble, Kevin Awino and Phiona Kulume helped push Uganda to a respectable total of 99 which was just perfect as Tanzania failed to defend them.

“I think it was a very good partnership between me and Iloku, managing to maintain momentum early on. We lost our first wicket in the ninth over, and our plan was to rotate strike, punish the bad balls, and stay as calm as possible,” said Mbabazi, who was named Player of the Match.

Defending 99 was no small task, but Uganda’s bowlers rose to the occasion. Consy Aweko (2), Phiona Kulume (1), Mbabazi (2), Sarah Tino (2), and Stephanie Nampiina (2) shared the wickets, while Kevin Amuge’s eight dot balls set the early tone. Mbabazi also impressed with her smart bowling changes, disrupting Tanzania’s rhythm and neutralising their big hitters.

“I think it was bad luck for us today. We did well to restrict Uganda, but they managed to defend their total, and unfortunately, we lost. Every match has a winner and a loser and I would like to congratulate Uganda for the victory,” said Tanzanian captain Shufaa Muhammed.

With this result, Uganda remains in pole position to qualify for the semifinals. They face Nigeria next on Wednesday, before wrapping up the group stage with matches against hosts Rwanda and Brazil.