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Match summary
- Namibia 1265/6 in 20 overs
- Uganda 125 all out in 20 overs
- Namibia won by 1 run
In a dramatic fifth match of the Capricorn Series at HP Oval, Namibia clinched a narrow one-run victory over Uganda, taking a 3–2 lead in the six-match series.
The encounter, marked by momentum shifts and individual brilliance, sets up a high-stakes finale tomorrow.
Namibia stuck with their recent winning formula after winning the toss for the third consecutive time, choosing to bat first.
However, their innings began on shaky ground.
Uganda’s bowlers started with precision, removing both Kalyan Green (for a duck) and Suné Wittmann (10) cheaply.
At the end of the powerplay, Namibia were reeling at 19/3, and their struggles continued as they crawled to 35/4 at the halfway mark of their innings.
The tide turned thanks to Mwatile Mekalaye, whose composed, unbeaten 60 off 49 balls (strike rate 122.45) anchored the Namibian innings.
Her knock proved to be the backbone of a modest recovery, helping Namibia post 126/6 in their 20 overs.
Uganda made two key changes to their lineup, handing a tournament debut to Shakira Saddick and recalling Phiona Kulume, who replaced Kevin Awino and Sarah Walaza.
With Awino out, the opening responsibilities fell to Saddick and Iloku Esther.
While Saddick fell early in the fourth over, Esther launched a quick-fire start, guiding Uganda to 37/1 at the end of the powerplay and 73/1 after 10 overs.
The chase appeared well in control, especially with solid contributions from Janet Mbabazi (44) and Iloku Esther (41).
But as the innings wore on, pressure mounted.
Namibia’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs, picking up crucial wickets—including two in the penultimate and final overs—to bowl out Uganda for 125 in 19.5 overs, just one run short of the target.
After the match, Victoria Pearls captain Janet Mbabazi reflected on the narrow defeat.
“It’s disappointing to lose by such a small margin,”
she said.
“But I’m proud of how our top order stepped up—especially Iloku in the powerplay.
Unfortunately, we left too much for the lower order, which cost us.
Personally, I’m happy to contribute runs, and as a team, we’ll stay positive heading into the final match.”
The series decider between Uganda and Namibia is set for tomorrow at 3:00 PM EAT.
With the hosts leading 3–2, Uganda will be aiming to level the series, while Namibia will look to seal the series win in front of a home crowd.
