Victoria Pearls name squad for 2026 Victoria Series, Nainhabo in line for debut

Victoria Pearls have named a 14-player squad, along with two reserves, for the 2026 Victoria Series Tournament set to bowl off from November 6 to 14 at the Entebbe Cricket Oval.

The tournament will feature Rwanda, Namibia and the USA.

All-rounder Janet Mbabazi retains the captaincy, leading a squad that blends seasoned campaigners with fresh talent as Uganda prepares for high-intensity home competition.

Naume Amongin and Kevin Awino return to the fold after missing out on the Capricorn Series, while Australian-based 23-year-old right-handed batter Kampi Nainhabo is in line for her international debut. Nainhabo developed through the Victorian domestic pathway and brings experience from the South East Bayside Breakers, Cricket Victoria Female High Performance Academy and Melbourne Cricket Club.

The trio replace Phiona Egaru Kulume, Jimia Abdallah Muhammed and Irene Mutonyi, who travelled with the team to Windhoek in July earlier this year.

The Victoria Pearls will be seeking to defend their Victoria Series title after a clean 5-0 sweep over the Canada Women's National Team in October 2025.

The series forms part of Uganda's build-up to the 2027 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier finals, pitching them directly against familiar opponents.

Head Coach Deus Muhumuza said the team is well prepared for the challenge. "The win in Namibia at the Capricorn Series final gave us great belief, but our focus is now on the Victoria Series. USA, Rwanda and Namibia are strong teams and will challenge us. For us, success will be executing our plans consistently and playing fearless cricket in front of our home fans," he said.

Captain Mbabazi expressed excitement at hosting three nations. "As an athlete, you always want to play competitive games, so we are excited to have some good competition coming up. Also, being able to host three nations in this tournament shows just how much women's cricket is growing globally," she said.

She added that the success in Namibia was a confidence booster. "Namibia is definitely a tough opposition; they beat us twice in the group stage in the Capricorn series. We played USA earlier this year, and Rwanda last year; they bring more energy, and they all bring something unique to the competition. So we know what to expect."

Selected Squad: Janet Mbabazi (C), Stephanie Nampiina, Proscovia Alako, Ritah Musamali, Esther Iloku, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Kevin Awino, Malisa Ariokot, Sarah Walaza, Naume Amongin, Consylate Aweko Nimungu, Sarah Akiteng, Asumin Akurut, Kampi Nainhabo.

Reserves: Phiona Egaru Kulume, Lorna Anyait.