By 
Match Result
Uganda 98/5 in 20 Overs
Namibia 96/6 in 20 overs
Uganda won by 2 runs
Soroti Cricket Academy’s Iloku Esther was the star of the day, winning the Player of the Match award as the Victoria Pearls triumphed over Namibia by just two runs in a thrilling opener at the High Performance Oval in Namibia.
Illoku’s 47 off 53 balls and a crucial catch guided Uganda to a well-deserved victory.
Namibia won the toss and chose to bowl, putting Uganda on the back foot early.
Uganda lost Janet Mbabazi for just 5 runs in the fifth over, leaving them at 19/1 after the power-play.
Immaculate Nakisuyin followed soon after, dismissed for a duck, leaving Uganda struggling at 31/3 after 10 overs.
At this stage, Iloku partnered with Nampiina Stephanie, and together they revived Uganda’s innings, putting on 56 runs for the fourth wicket.
Illoku with 47 runs off 54 balls, while Nampiina added 33. Uganda ended their 20 overs at 98/5.
Despite a disciplined bowling performance from Namibia’s Mwatile Wilka, who took two wickets for 16 runs, Uganda’s total seemed defendable.
Namibia while in action with Uganda
Namibia’s chase started well with 9 runs off the first over, but wickets fell regularly. Green Kayleen (9), Wittmann Sune (13), and Manuel Bianca (20) were all dismissed, while Mwatile Wilka’s 18 runs weren’t enough.
With 10 runs needed off the last six balls, Namibia managed just two off the final delivery, falling short by two runs.
Uganda’s Akiteng Sarah was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for just 6 runs in 4 overs, with an economy rate of 1.5, playing a crucial role in the win.
Iloku was named Player of the Match, while Janet Mbabazi praised her resilience and effort despite the team’s early setbacks.
Both teams showcased excellent fielding, with Namibia’s Diergaardt Arrasta taking a spectacular catch.
Uganda will return to action tomorrow at 3:00 PM EAT.
