Victoria Series: Rwanda, Victoria Pearls off the mark on opening day

Victoria Series | Matchday One

• Game 1: Uganda 74/6 beat Namibia 73/9 by 4 wickets
• Game 2: Rwanda 100/8 beat USA 86 all out by 14 runs

Uganda’s Victoria Pearls held their nerve to hold off a determined Namibia side in a low-scoring thriller in the morning clash of the Victoria Series.

In overcast conditions at the Lakeside Oval in Entebbe, Uganda won the toss and elected to bowl first. Despite a strong start by Namibia Captain Sune Wittmann, especially against the slow medium pace of Sarah Walaza, a good passage of play edged the Victoria Pearls ahead, with Malisa Ariokot (3/9) the destroyer-in-chief and Consy Aweko (2/20) among the wickets.

The Capricon Eagles were on the ropes at 36/5, but a rear-guard resistance from Naomi Benjamin (20) helped them put on an emotional total of just 73/9 in their quota of 20 overs.

In the run chase, Namibia pegged back the hosts, losing their captain, Janet Mbabazi, on the second ball of the innings, with Proscovia Alako and Stephanie Nampiina not staying long either.

The Victoria Pearls were railing at 18/4 until two small partnerships anchored by Rita Musamali (42 not out) and involving Immaculate Nakisuyi and Kevin Awino got the required target within sight.

The hosts managed to cross the line to bring up their first win of the tournament and a morale-boosting performance.

Rita Musamali (42 not out) won the player of the match award for her fine batting performance under pressure.

The performance might not have been ideal, but the result counts a lot because it’s against an opponent who is in their side mirror in the global rankings.

In the other game of the day, Rwanda managed to resist a late surge from the USA to win by 14 runs.

A spirited team performance in the first innings helped the Americans restrict Rwanda to just 100 runs in their quota of 20 overs, but their run chase was hurt by the regular loss of wickets.

Rwanda got an important win that should give them morale ahead of the East African Derby against Uganda on Saturday afternoon.

The post Victoria Series: Rwanda, Victoria Pearls off the mark on opening day appeared first on Kawowo Sports.