By 
Day one results
Game 1
Namibia A 145/6 in 20 overs
Uganda A 143/5 in 20 overs
Namibia A won by 2 runs
Game 2
Kenya 106/8 in 16 overs
Nigeria 88/9 in 16 overs
Kenya won by 18 runs DLS
The Pearl of Africa Series got off to a thrilling start today at the Entebbe Cricket Oval, where Namibia A held their nerve to secure a dramatic 2-run victory over Uganda A in a nail-biting contest that went down to the very last ball.
On a lively pitch, Namibia A won the toss and chose to bat first, setting the stage for a tightly contested affair that showcased grit, skill, and resilience from both sides.
Namibia A’s innings began steadily, anchored by a strong opening partnership between Zacheo Jansen Van Vuuren and captain Jan Balt.
The duo added 78 runs for the first wicket, giving the visitors early momentum.
Van Vuuren was the aggressor, scoring a fluent 43 off just 32 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Brighton Muganzi.
Balt followed with a composed 48 off 41 balls, mixing caution with calculated aggression.
The middle order chipped in with useful contributions, notably Dylan Leicher’s 29 off 22 balls.
However, Uganda’s bowlers, led by the impressive Baidu Ivan (3 for 23), applied pressure in the latter stages.
Their disciplined bowling and sharp fielding efforts restricted Namibia A to a total of 145 for 6 from their 20 overs—a score that appeared competitive but chaseable.
In reply, Uganda A started cautiously, with Anas Baig (21) and Simon Ssesazi building a solid foundation.
Ssesazi played the anchor role with a measured 66 off 66 balls.
However, Namibia’s bowlers struck at key intervals to stall Uganda’s momentum.
Jan De Villiers was especially effective, claiming 2 for 20, including the vital wicket of Kenneth Waiswa.
Despite a late surge from captain Pascal Murungi, who blasted an unbeaten 38 off 26 deliveries, Uganda A fell agonizingly short, finishing on 143 for 5—just two runs shy.
In the day’s other fixture, Kenya defeated Nigeria by 18 runs via the DLS method.
Looking ahead, Uganda national team (Cricket Cranes) will face Nigeria tomorrow morning, while Kenya squares off against UAE in the afternoon encounter.
