Uganda exhibited a clear determination to secure one of the two coveted spots to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Dubai next year.
The East African derby held significant stakes for both nations, with Uganda seeking redemption in front of their passionate fans.
This mission stemmed from their previous defeat to Rwanda by 6 wickets in the Kwibuka Women’s T20 International Tournament final at Gahanga Stadium in Kigali last June.
With a significant portion of the host nation’s fans traveling over 40 kilometers from the capital city Kampala to witness the spectacle at the lakeside Entebbe Cricket Oval, Uganda reciprocated their support in full force.
The Victoria Pearls initially faced a slow start, both in the field after Captain Concy Aweko won the toss and elected to bowl, and later in their batting innings. However, they rallied to craft their own 6-wicket victory, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Rwanda’s opening batters, Merveille Uwase (35 off 35) and Gisele Ishimwe (22 off 47), who are also best friends, initially found comfort against Uganda’s pace bowling, reaching 21 for no loss in 3 overs.
Aweko took charge, halting the early onslaught with an economical spell of one for 11.
The trio of vice-captain Janet Mbabazi (three for 14), off-spinner Lorna Anyait (none for 13), and medium pacer Rita Musamali (none for 18) executed their roles perfectly with tight four-over spells.
Rwanda, from a position of strength at 49 without loss in 9.1 overs, were stifled and could only set a target of just 88 runs in their 20 overs.
Small run chases often bring surprises, and Uganda faced evident jitters in their innings. The openers prioritized safety, scoring cautiously to avoid an early collapse, reaching 18 for no loss after 5 overs.
This was after opening batter Proscovia Alako (1) had already retired hurt after a delivery from Immaculate Muhawenimana struck her left foot in the second over.
Wicketkeeper Kevin Awino added excitement briefly with two boundaries in her knock of 11 off 19, while Stephanie Nampiima departed for a duck.
However, these dismissals turned out to be a blessing in disguise as runs started flowing for Uganda. Rita Musamali joined Mbabazi, who earned the Player of the Match Award for her controlled chase, amassing 32 runs off 37 balls.
Musamali finished unbeaten on 31 from 29 balls, and former Victoria Pearls captain Immaculate Nakisuyi provided the final four.
