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Match Summary
Victoria Pearls 71/6 in 16 overs
Namibia 70/9 in 16 overs
Victoria Pearls won by one run
Sarah Akiteng was the standout performer, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul to guide Uganda to a thrilling one-run victory in a pressure-filled chase.
This marked the first time in the Women’s Day Cup that a team batting first emerged victorious.
The match, which was reduced to 16 overs per side due to rain before the start of match-day three at Entebbe Cricket Oval, saw the Victoria Pearls face off against Namibia.
Uganda made two changes to their lineup, bringing in wicketkeeper-batter Iloku Easter and pace bowler Irene Mutoni, who earned her debut.
They replaced Kevin Awino and Malemikia Patricia.
Namibia won the toss and opted to bowl first. They started strong with two maiden overs, and Uganda’s early struggles continued with the loss of quick wickets.
A runout, in the second over, saw Immaculate Nakisuyi dismissed in similar fashion to the yesterday’s dismissal, as the fielder at point hit the stumps directly.
By the end of the powerplay, Uganda were 11/1 after 5 overs.
Uganda eventually posted a total of 71/6 in their 16 overs, with some late contributions from Iloku Esther (21), Janet Mbabazi (19), and Rita Musamali (16*).
Namibia’s Eveleen Kejarukua was particularly effective with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 13 runs in her three overs at an economy rate of 4.33.
In response, Namibia got off to a solid start, reaching 9 without loss after the first over.
However, Sunne Wittmann’s wicket fell in the following over, and despite some dropped catches and a missed runout, Uganda remained in the game.
Sarah Akiteng was the hero with the ball, claiming a remarkable fifer at an economy rate of 3.5, conceding just 14 runs in her four overs.
Sarah Akiteng (L) while celebrating her wicket with the captain Janet Mbabazi (R) celebrating a wicket
Her performance not only won her the player of match award but also helped Uganda defend their total, sealing a narrow one-run victory and marking a strong return to winning ways for the team.
Sarah Akiteng- Receiving a player of match accolade
With a rest scheduled for tomorrow, Uganda will return in action on Wednesday as they take on Hong Kong China and this will mark the start of the second round.
