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Match Summary
Victoria Pearls 123/5 in 20 overs
Hong Kong China 124/6 in 19.5 overs
Hong Kong China won by 4 wickets
Victoria Pearls suffered a 4-wicket loss to Hong Kong China, despite posting a defendable total, in an afternoon clash at Entebbe Cricket Oval during the ongoing Women’s Day T20 Cup.
Winning the toss, the Victoria Pearls confidently chose to bat first.
The wicket, fresh at the start of the game and improving as the afternoon progressed, allowed Uganda to set a total that could have been defended with better fielding. Uganda made a change to their lineup, with
Phiona Kulume Egaru replacing Sarah Walaza.
However, Uganda’s batting didn’t get off to a smooth start.
The team lost their captain’s wicket in the fourth over, which slowed their momentum.
Iloku Esther was caught in the next over, and Rita Musamali was sent in early while Alako Proscovia moved up the order.
Despite the early setbacks, Musamali (26) and Stephanie Nampiina (32) built a 50-run partnership, stabilizing the innings and helping Uganda reach a respectable total of 123/5 in 20 overs.
In response, Hong Kong China also faced early challenges, losing their big hitter and captain, Natalie Miles, early in the chase.
However, Shanzeen Shahzad (33) and Mariko Hill (30) steadied the ship, and despite a strong effort from Sarah Akiteng, who claimed two wickets, Hong Kong stayed unshaken.
With 5 runs required from 6 balls in the final over, Uganda made a breakthrough when Rita Musamali took a catch at long-on off Akiteng’s bowling.
However, costly fielding errors, including missed runouts and dropped catches, allowed Hong Kong to clinch victory with one ball to spare, winning by 4 wickets.
This loss marks the Victoria Pearls’ second defeat in the tournament, putting their chances of qualifying for the Women’s Challenge League in jeopardy, given their current rankings.
Despite having a rest day yesterday, Uganda has not shown significant improvement in their fielding, which remains a major concern for the team.
Earlier in the day, Namibia defeated Nepal at the same venue.
Uganda will need to regroup quickly and refocus as they prepare to face Nepal tomorrow afternoon.
