By 
Result
USA-Women: 110/5 in 20 overs
UGA-Women: 111/2 in 18.2 overs
Uganda Women won by 8 wickets
Immaculate Nakisuyi’s outstanding unbeaten half-century shone brightly as the Victoria Pearls secured their inaugural victory in Abu Dhabi, injecting new life into their World Cup aspirations.
Despite facing criticism and disappointment following a hefty 109-run loss to Scotland in their opening match, characterized by lapses in fielding, the Victoria Pearls orchestrated a remarkable comeback by trouncing the USA by eight wickets.
The victory proved pivotal in sustaining their hopes of World Cup qualification amidst the ongoing qualifiers.
Opting to bat first after a well-rested spell, the USA managed to post a modest total of 110/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Disha Dhingara and skipper Sindhu Sriharsha contributed commendably, while Sarah Walaza, Consy Aweko, and Sarah Akiteng led the bowling charge for Uganda, each claiming a wicket, with Sarah exhibiting the best economy.
Despite the early dismissals of Proscovia Alako and Iloku Esther, Nakisuyi’s masterful half-century of 68 not out, complemented by Stephanie Nampiina’s quickfire 33, ensured Uganda’s victory in the nineteenth over.
Stephanie Nampiina (L) with Immaculate Nakisuyi (R)
Despite Geetika Kodali’s impressive bowling display for the USA, supported by Isani Vaghela, their efforts fell short as Uganda comfortably chased down the target.
USA’s missed opportunity to dismiss Nakisuyi during the powerplay, coupled with their reliance on seamers, allowed Uganda to capitalize and secure a comfortable win.
In Group A, Sri Lanka leads the table with four points from two matches, remaining the only unbeaten team.
Scotland and Uganda closely follow with two points each, with Scotland holding a superior net run rate. Meanwhile, both USA and Thailand in the same group are yet to secure a victory.
Uganda’s path to the semifinals hinges on winning their remaining fixtures against Thailand and Sri Lanka, while hoping for Scotland to stumble against another opponent in the group.
In their upcoming encounter against Thailand, Uganda seeks redemption after a previous defeat in the ICC Women’s T20 World Qualifier eliminator in 2018.
With both teams aiming to bolster their semifinal chances, the stage is set for an enthralling showdown under the floodlights at Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi.
Despite initial setbacks in Group B, Uganda and Thailand are poised for a fiercely competitive clash, with both teams striving to ignite their World Cup ambitions and set the tone for an electrifying battle.
Photo Credits: ICC/ Getty Images
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