By 
Result
Victoria Pearls Vs Lady Chevrons
Victoria Pearls 145/6
Lady Chevrons 139/8
Victoria Pearls won by 6 runs
In a thrilling match during the preparatory tour in India, Gloria Obukor, representing the Victoria Pearls and hailing from Soroti Cricket Academy, showcased an exceptional performance, marking a significant milestone for Ugandan women’s cricket.
Returning to the team after missing out on previous tours and the December qualifier, Obukor’s debut in the ongoing India tour proved monumental.
Opening the batting alongside Immaculate Nakisuyi, Obukor laid a solid foundation with an impressive innings.
Gloria’s innings was the highlight of the match, laying a crucial foundation for the team despite being dismissed in the 12th over.
Obukor with Immaculate with Immaculate Nakisuyi while batting for the Victoria Pearls
Her performance made history, marking her as the first Ugandan woman to achieve a half-century against the formidable Lady Chevrons of Zimbabwe. Leading from the front, Gloria scored an impressive 50 runs off 37 balls, with valuable support from fellow Soroti Cricket Academy graduates Iloku Esther (32 off 37) and Janet Mbabazi (15 off 17).
Their collective effort propelled the Victoria Pearls to a thrilling victory over the Lady Chevrons, securing a narrow 6-run margin.
Despite the impressive bowling performance of Zimbabwean player Audrey Mazvishaya, who claimed three wickets in four overs, conceding only 21 runs with an economy rate of 5.25, the Ugandan batting lineup managed to reach a respectable total of 145/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, when the Lady Chevrons took to the crease, Kelis Ndhlovu, who had scored a half-century in Zimbabwe’s previous game of the ongoing tour, aimed to turn the tide.
However, her efforts were thwarted when she was run out by Sarah Walaza after scoring 39 off 23 balls. Additionally, Chiyedza Dhururu, a wicketkeeper-batter, contributed 21 runs off 22 balls.
However, her discomfort grew when Consy Aweko, the captain of the Victoria Pearls, entered the bowling attack. Dhururu’s innings came to an end when she was caught by wicketkeeper Kevin Awino off Consy Aweko’s delivery.
Consy also made a significant impact with the ball, dismissing the renowned slogger for Zimbabwe, skipper Mary Anne Musonda. Despite Loryn Phiri’s attempt to close the gap for the Chevrons with an unbeaten 20 runs, the disciplined bowling display from the Victoria Pearls, which only conceded 8 extras, restricted the Lady Chevrons to 139/8 in their allotted 20 overs, resulting in a loss for them against the Pearls.
The Victoria Pearls Dugout
Looking ahead to today’s game, Uganda had faced defeats against Zimbabwe on three occasions: by 11 runs in 2022, by 6 wickets in the finals of the global qualifiers last year, and by 2 runs in the second game of the ongoing preparation tournament in India.
Therefore, this victory holds special significance for the Pearls, providing them with momentum as they strive to build upon this success in their future matches.
As they strive for gold at the upcoming All Africa Games, the Victoria Pearls must build on this triumph.
Pitted in the same group as Zimbabwe, Uganda’s journey to the top spot entails overcoming their rivals and other formidable opponents.
With determination and resilience, the Pearls aim to secure victory and stake their claim for success on the international stage.
