RITA Musamali scored an unbeaten 42 to guide Uganda to a four wicket victory over Namibia in the Victoria Series at Entebbe Cricket Ground on Friday.
Uganda reached 74 for six in 19.3 overs after restricting Namibia to 73 for nine, completing the chase with three balls to spare.
The hosts had little room for error after losing three wickets for 13 runs. Wilka Mwatile made an immediate impact, dismissing captain Janet Mbabazi for a duck and Proscovia Alako for two in the opening over. Stephanie Nampiina fell soon afterwards, leaving Uganda in early trouble.
Musamali kept the innings together, scoring 42 from 55 balls with four boundaries. She found support from Kevin Awino, who made seven in a partnership that carried Uganda to 64 before Awino was dismissed in the 18th over.
With the target still within reach, Malisa Ariokot added an unbeaten six alongside Musamali to see Uganda home.
Mwatile finished with three wickets for 18 runs, while Eveleen Kejarukua took two for 16. Mekelaye Mwatile claimed the other wicket.
Earlier, Uganda had chosen to bowl after winning the toss and kept Namibia in check throughout their innings.
Namibia made a fast start through Merzerly Gorases, who scored 11 from four balls, and Suné Wittmann, who added 11 from eight. But Uganda soon broke the opening stand and kept taking wickets, leaving the home side at 28 for four.
Naomi Benjamin was Namibia’s top scorer, finishing unbeaten on 20 from 33 balls. She was unable to find enough support to lift the total beyond 73 for nine in 20 overs.
Ariokot led Uganda’s attack with three for nine from four overs. Consylate Aweko Nimungu took two for 14, while Sarah Walaza, Mbabazi and Immaculate Nakisuuyi claimed one wicket apiece.
Musamali’s innings earned her the Player of the Match award and helped Uganda collect two points from the fixture. Namibia finished without a point.
Match summary
Namibia 73/9 (20 overs); Uganda 74/6 (19.3 overs).
Result: Uganda won by four wickets.
Venue: Entebbe Cricket Ground.
Toss: Uganda won the toss and elected to bowl.
Player of the Match: Rita Musamali (Uganda).
