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Match Summary – Game 2 – Bilateral Series
Uganda A: 127/8 in 20 overs (A Baig 45, C Watuwa 21; J Balt 2/16, M Heingo 2/28)
Namibia A: 124/7 in 20 overs (L Bassom 25, S Shikongo 23, K Waiswa 3/28, M Musinguzi 1/14)
Result: Uganda A won by 3 runs
Player of the Match: Anas Baig – 45 off 31 balls (3 fours & 2 sixes)
Next Matches – Friday, July 25 – Entebbe Oval
9.30am: Uganda vs Kenya
1.30pm: Nigeria vs Namibia A
Uganda A held their nerve in a nail-biting finish to secure a thrilling three-run victory over Namibia A in the second and final T20 of the Pearl of Africa A Series at the scenic Entebbe Cricket Oval in a showdown that went upto the last ball.
The result sees the hosts level the two-match series 1-1, avenging their narrow two-run defeat in the opener last week.
Uganda A won the toss and opted to bat first and Uganda A’s innings was anchored by a mature and fluent 45 from 19-year-old Anas Baig, son of former national skipper Akbar Baig.
The stylish right-hander mixed flair with patience, striking three boundaries and two sixes in a 31-ball effort that gave the home side a solid platform.
Debutant Calvin Watuwa chipped in with 21 off 17 balls as Uganda posted 127 for 8 in their 20 overs, despite a disciplined Namibian bowling display led by captain Jan Balt (2/16) and medium pacer Mervin Heingo (2/28).
With just 128 to defend, Uganda A needed discipline and calm heads — and they got both in spades.
Slow left-armer Mathew Musinguzi tied down the middle overs with a miserly 1 for 14 from his four overs, while off-spinner Siraje Nsubuga (1/25) also struck at a crucial moment.
But it was experienced seamer Kenneth Waiswa who stole the show at the death.
Brought back into the attack as the game hung in the balance, Waiswa delivered three wickets for 28 runs, halting Namibia A’s momentum just when they looked poised to snatch the game.
The visitors fell just short at 124 for 7, sparking jubilant celebrations in the Ugandan camp.
Assistant coach Roger Mukasa praised the team’s composure and resilience.
“These are pressure games, and it’s all about how you respond.
The boys showed great maturity, and this win is a huge confidence boost. We’re grooming future Cricket Cranes, and performances like this prove we’re on the right path,”
said Mukasa.
All-rounder Waiswa added
“It’s been great playing alongside these young talents.
Their hunger is clear, and today they showed real heart.
Wins like this are important for their growth.”
The Pearl of Africa T20I Series continues on Friday with Uganda’s senior team taking on rivals Kenya in the much-anticipated Migingo Derby, as the race for the title heats up.
