Uganda beat Rwanda to end Kwibuka T20 on a high

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Kwibuka Women’s T20 (3rd place play-off)

Uganda 107/5 

Rwanda 87/7 (Uganda Women won by 20 runs)
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The Victoria Pearls’ third-place finish in the Kwibuka Women’s T20 finals was bittersweet.

The Ugandans secured a much-needed win over Rwanda but were left disappointed after their semi-final loss to Zimbabwe.

Despite once again losing the toss, Uganda managed to post a respectable 107/5 in their 20 overs. It was a significantly improved bowling performance from the team, which limited the hosts to 87/7, securing a 20-run victory.

“We approached the match with a positive mindset because although I lost my wicket quite early, Immaculate Nakisuyi and Esther Iloku had a nice and decent partnership, so the players were very intentional in the process,” said Mbabazi.

Debutant Sarah Tino proved she has the mettle for the big stage by taking three key Rwandan wickets, frustrating their batting innings and leading Uganda to a 20-run win. She successfully dismissed some of Rwanda’s top batting threats, including Diane Bimenyimana, Clarisse Umutoniwase, and Geovanis Uwase.

Although the Victoria Pearls ended the tournament on a relatively positive note, their semi-final exit remains a sore point. Nevertheless, these are valuable lessons ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

“The girls have been exceptional. We have had decent tournaments, and the fact that we have been able to watch many games and so much talent, I think in my opinion, there are about one or two things we have been able to learn in this tournament,” she explained.