Match Summary: Uganda V Zimbabwe A
– Uganda 80/8
– Zimbabwe A 78/9
– Uganda by 2 runs
The Victoria Pearls of Uganda etched their names in Kwibuka history once again, securing a dramatic two-run victory over Zimbabwe A in a nail-biting final that went down to the very last ball at Gahanga Cricket Stadium on Sunday, May 9th.
Opting to bat first, the Pearls were jolted early, losing their top order for a meager 6/3. But in the face of adversity, Proscovia Alako (24) and Rita Musamali (15) steadied the ship with a gritty partnership. However, Zimbabwe A’s bowlers, spearheaded by Christina Mutasa (2/17) and Kelly Kudzai (2/9), clawed their way back, restricting Uganda to a paltry 80/8 in their 20 overs.
Chasing a modest target, Zimbabwe A got off to a promising start with captain Chiydeza Dhururu (22) and Loryn Phiri (27) stitching together a crucial 48-run stand.
Just when victory seemed within reach, the Uganda bowlers struck back with a vengeance. Captain Janet Mbabazi (5/10) unleashed a fiery spell, ripping through the middle order, ably supported by Consy Aweko (2/17). With the score at 72/7, the pendulum swung decisively in favor of the Pearls.
The drama intensified in the final over. Zimbabwe A needed 8 runs to win. Youngster Lorna Anyait had the unenviable task of defending a precarious total.
A boundary by Lorraine Pemhiwa brought the equation down to a nerve-wracking 4 off 2 balls. A no-ball further tilted the scales, reducing it to 3 off 2.
Yet, the Uganda bowlers held their nerve, stifling the Zimbabwean batters. With the scores tied, Anyait delivered a crucial ball, and Lorraine, the last hope for Zimbabwe A, was dismissed, sparking jubilation in the Ugandan camp.
Despite her early dismissal in the final, Proscovia Alako deserves a special mention. She finished the tournament as the leading run scorer with a century to her name, a testament to her consistent brilliance throughout the Kwibuka.
This victory marks Uganda’s third Kwibuka title since 2014, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in women’s cricket within the region. The final will be remembered for its nail-biting tension and Uganda’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Uganda emerged victorious, but the East African region displayed strong overall performance with Rwanda (3rd) and Kenya (5th) securing top-five finishes. Nigeria (4th) put up a valiant fight, followed by Botswana (6th), Malawi (7th), and Cameroon (8th).
