RWANDA made every run count as they defended a modest total of 92 to secure an 18-run victory over Uganda in the Victoria Series 2026 at Entebbe Cricket Ground.
After Uganda elected to bowl, Rwanda were made to work hard for their runs on a surface that offered little for aggressive stroke play. The innings was anchored by Gisele Ishimwe, whose patient 32 from 46 deliveries proved to be the highest score of the match.
While boundaries were hard to find, Rwanda kept the scoreboard moving through a series of useful contributions. Clarrise Umutoniwase added 14, Shakila Niyomuhoza chipped in with a brisk 11 from seven balls, and Henriette Therese Ishimwe remained unbeaten on 16 as Rwanda closed on 92 for five from their allotted 18 overs.
Uganda’s bowlers kept the contest within reach. Captain Janet Mbabazi led from the front with three for 20, while Consylate Aweko Nimungu and Malisa Ariokot claimed a wicket each.
The chase, however, never found any real momentum.
An early breakthrough left Uganda playing catch-up, and Rwanda’s bowlers steadily tightened their grip on the contest. Every attempt to rebuild was interrupted by another wicket, turning a manageable chase into an increasingly difficult task.
The decisive spell came from Ruth Uwimana, who produced the standout performance of the match. Bowling with accuracy and discipline, she tore through the middle order to finish with outstanding figures of four for 10 from four overs. Her victims included Proscovia Alako, Rita Musamali, Esther Iloku and Immaculate Nakisuuyi, removing the core of Uganda’s batting line-up.
There was excellent support from Rosine Irera, who conceded just nine runs from her four overs, while Henriette Therese Ishimwe accounted for the key wicket of Janet Mbabazi.
Despite an unbeaten 21 from Malisa Ariokot and 13 not out from wicketkeeper Kevin Awino, Uganda never recovered from the middle-order collapse and finished on 74 for six.
The final margin reflected Rwanda’s discipline in the field. Having posted a total that looked competitive rather than commanding, they bowled with control, applied pressure throughout the chase and seized the key moments when the match was in the balance.
For the spell that broke open Uganda’s chase, Ruth Uwimana was named Player of the Match.
