Victoria Pearls fall short in nail biting Kwibuka T20i semi-final against Zimbabwe

Kwibuka Women’s T20i

Results

Zimbabwe HP 93/8 in 20 overs

Uganda 92/10 in 19.1 overs

Zimbabwe won by 1 run

Tanzania  59/10 15 overs

Rwanda 43/10 in 17.2 overs

Tanzania won by 16 runs

Uganda’s Victoria Pearls narrowly missed out on a spot in the Kwibuka Women’s T20I final after a heartbreaking one-run loss to Zimbabwe in Kigali.

For the second time this week, Deus Muhumuza’s side struggled to close out a run chas, this time with major consequences, as the defeat ended their hopes of defending their title.

Uganda won the toss and elected to field, restricting Zimbabwe High Performance to a modest 93/8 in 20 overs. The chase began promisingly, with Esther Iloku (54) and Janet Mbabazi (32) laying a solid foundation.

Even after Mbabazi’s dismissal, Uganda remained in control as Immaculate Nakisuyi joined Iloku at the crease. Nakisuyi supported Iloku in reaching her half-century, but the momentum shifted dramatically when Iloku was dismissed with just 9 runs needed from 31 balls.

Zimbabwe’s captain, Nomvelo Sibanda, turned the tide with a spirited bowling performance, claiming key wickets including Iloku and Rita Musamali. Uganda’s collapse accelerated as they required just 8 runs from 24 balls but succumbed to pressure.

A flurry of dot balls and five run-outs—including those of Consy Aweko, Stephanie Nampiina, Kevin Awino, and a chaotic final dismissal involving Sarah Akiteng and Kevin Amuge—sealed Uganda’s fate.

It was a disappointing end for the Victoria Pearls, who will need to address their finishing issues moving forward. Zimbabwe will now face Tanzania in the final, while hosts Rwanda will play in the third-place playoff.