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MATCHDAY FIVE RESULTS
Last Group stage match
Itanda Kayakers: 30/4 (5.0 overs)
Karuma Rapids: 31/0 (4.1 overs)
Result: Karuma Rapids won by 10 wickets
Finals
Karuma Rapids vs Itanda Kayakers
Toss: Karuma Rapids won the toss and elected to bat
Karuma Rapids: 102 all out (20.0 overs)
Itanda Kayakers: 103/4 (15.3 overs)
Result: Itanda Kayakers won by 6 wickets
Itanda Kayakers completed a remarkable ascent to the pinnacle of women’s cricket, claiming the Waterfalls Women’s Elite League 2026 title after a composed six-wicket victory over Karuma Rapids in a thrilling final at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
The stage was set for a gripping contest, particularly after Karuma Rapids had dominated earlier encounters.
In the final group-stage match, a rain-reduced five-over affair saw the Rapids cruise to a commanding ten-wicket win, restricting the Kayakers to 30 for 4 and chasing the target in just 4.1 overs.
That emphatic victory secured crucial points for Karuma and dashed Bujjagali Rafters’ hopes of reaching the final on net run rate.
Yet finals, as the Kayakers proved, tell a different story.
Winning the toss on the big day, Karuma Rapids elected to bat first, hoping to pressure their rivals.
Instead, they encountered a disciplined and inspired Kayakers bowling attack.
Early breakthroughs unsettled the Rapids, and partnerships struggled to flourish as wickets fell steadily.
Captain Proscovia Alako led from the front with a determined 46 off 41 deliveries, featuring five boundaries and a six.
Patricia Malemikia injected brief urgency with a quick 12 off 7 balls, but consistent strikes at the other end kept Karuma in check.
Hanifa Noreen was the architect of the Rapids’ downfall, claiming 3 for 11 in two overs, well supported by Immaculate Nandera (2/13) and Naume Jane Amongin (2/19), as Karuma were bowled out for 102 in 20 overs.
Chasing the target, Itanda Kayakers stumbled initially with an early wicket, offering Karuma faint hope.
Janet Mbabazi restored calm, anchoring the innings with a composed 36 off 38 balls.
Momentum swung decisively when Jimia Abdallah Muhammed counterattacked, blasting 28 off 21 balls with three fours and two sixes.
Jimai playing a cut shot for the Kayakerz
Valuable contributions from Immaculate Nakisuuyi and a steady unbeaten effort from Lorna Anyait ensured a smooth finish, as the Kayakers reached 103 for 4 in 15.3 overs, sealing a memorable victory and lifting the WEL 2026 trophy.
From group-stage setbacks to championship glory, Itanda Kayakers’ triumph was a testament to resilience, discipline, and flawless execution on the biggest stage.
Reflecting on the tournament, Head of High-Performance Richard Okia said,
“We are pleased to conclude five days of intense competition focused on identifying talent.
This is an excellent initiative by Cricket Uganda, providing us with a broad pool of players to select from.
Our primary goal was talent identification, and as the High-Performance team, we see this as a significant step forward.
We look forward to organizing similar tournaments in the future so as to strengthen our pathways and develop more players.”
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Promising Player– Ruth Mwanga (Bujjagali)
Best Batter– Proscovia Alako (Karuma)
Best Bowler– Michelle Ariago (Itanda)
Most Valuable Player– Rita Musamali (Karuma)
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