Uganda’s tail fails to wag as Namibia seize control of series

_________________

Namibia 126/6 in 20 overs (win by 1 run)
Uganda 125/10 in 19.5 overs 

Uganda’s Victoria Pearls lost the fifth match of the Capricorn Series by one run, falling behind 3–2 in the six-match T20I series held at the HP Oval in Windhoek on Monday.

Namibia won the toss and elected to bat—a decision that initially paid off as they managed to post 126 runs on the board. 

The spinners had a productive afternoon, with Consy Aweko the pick of the bunch as she frustrated Namibia early in the encounter. The Capricorn Eagles lost three wickets in the powerplay but were later rewarded with a solid recovery.

It was a disastrous afternoon for Uganda’s tail-end batters, who failed to maintain composure, handing the hosts a one-run victory with just one ball to spare. This was after Esther Iloku (41) and Janet Mbabazi (44) had put the Victoria Pearls in the driving seat with 3.4 overs remaining.

Things began to unravel as poor decision-making led to a series of wickets. Stephanie Nampiina attempted a big shot and was caught, piling pressure on Uganda as the hosts began chipping away.

With Malisa Ariokot the only recognised batter left, the situation became dire. Phiona Kulume was dismissed, followed shortly by Consy Aweko, and then Ariokot. Uganda was left with Irene Mbabazi and bowler Sarah Akiteng needing to secure either a win or a draw, but Akiteng was bowled out.

This was certainly not the result Uganda needed, leaving them on the brink of losing a series they won last year. The hosts now have the momentum, having won two matches over the weekend to level the series, with Monday’s result tipping the scales further. 

It will take a herculean effort from Uganda to turn the series around.