By 
Result
Uganda Vs Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe 122/6 in 20 overs
Uganda 120/6 in 20 overs
Zimbabwe won by 2 runs
The Victoria Pearls faced a formidable challenge as young cricketer Kelis Ndhlovu Tanyarazwa, from Chitungwiza, scored a Half-Century for the Lady Chevrons in their match.
This led to the Victoria Pearls’ second loss in the ongoing preparation tournament at the ICWC Omtex Cricket Academy.
This tournament serves as valuable preparation for both Uganda senior women’s team and Zimbabwe senior women’s team ahead of the upcoming all Africa Games and world cup qualifiers in Dubai.
Zimbabwe’s captain, Mary Anne Musonda, made a strategic decision to bat first after winning the toss, leading to significant changes in the batting lineup.
Mary Anne Musonda (Left) won the toss and opted to bat first
Kelis Ndhlovu, previously batting fifth, now opened alongside Sharne Mayers, replacing the former opening pair of Modester Mupachikwa and Mary Anne Musonda.
Despite Mayers’ early departure, Ndhlovu showcased her skill, anchoring the innings with a half-century of 62 runs off 44 balls.
Further down the batting order, Mary Anne Musonda contributed 20 runs off 15 balls, while Pellagia Mujaji, newly introduced back to the lineup, scored 12 runs off 15 balls.
The Lady Chevrons posted a total of 122/6 in 20 overs, with Tasmeen Granger also making a notable contribution of 13 runs off 17 balls.
Among the Ugandan bowlers, Janet Mbabazi and Immaculate Nakisuyi secured two wickets each, while Consy Aweko and Lorna Anyait each claimed a single wicket.
Evelyn Anyipo has contributed with the role of opening the bowling for the Victoria Pearls, partnering with Rita Musamali.
However, Musamali, who was introduced to bowl upfront, encountered challenges with the new ball.
Despite this, she persevered, delivering two overs and conceding only 10 runs, although she was unable to take any wickets during her spell.
As Uganda set out to chase the target, their new opening batting partnership struggled, managing only a combined total of 14 runs.
Individually, Iloku Esther scored 12 runs off 20 balls, Janet Mbabazi contributed 15 runs off 14 balls, Stephanie Nampiina added 19 runs off 14 balls, Kevin Awino posted 26 runs off 22 balls, and Phiona Khulume, who missed out on the December qualifiers, showcased her readiness by scoring 21 runs off 15 balls, displaying a determined effort to secure her position in the lineup.
The Lady Chevrons’ bowling attack, led by Francisca Chipara with two wickets, along with contributions from Kelis Ndhlovu, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Loryn Phiri, and Precious Marange, with a sole wicket each limited the Victoria Pearls to 120/6 in 20 overs, securing a narrow victory for Zimbabwe by only 2 runs.
The changes in the coaching staff see Walter Chawaguta assuming the role of substantive head coach for Zimbabwe Women’s team, previously serving as batting coach under Gary Brent.
Brent who was pivotal in Lady Chevrons’ Dubai qualifiers qualification, resigned in October last year for personal reasons.
Lawrence Ssempija and Lawrence Ssematimba led Victoria Pearls in December qualifiers but current coaches Muhumuza Deus and Ssematimba who will face Zimbabwe again in their upcoming match, promising an exciting showdown.
