Uganda Women Defend 99 to Claim Narrow Victory Over Rwanda
UGANDA Women squeezed out a six-run win over Rwanda Women in a tightly fought Victoria Series 2026 encounter at Entebbe Cricket Ground, successfully defending a total of 99 after both sides found runs hard to come by.
Having won the toss and chosen to bat, Uganda finished on 99/6 from their 20 overs. The innings was held together by Esther Iloku, who stayed unbeaten on 27 from 35 balls, while Rita Musamali added 23 from 31 deliveries. By the seventh over Uganda had slipped to 32/3, and although they never fully broke free, they batted through the innings to post a target of 100.
Rwanda’s bowling effort was led by Diane Marie Bimenyimana, whose four-over spell returned outstanding figures of 4/14. She accounted for Proscovia Alako (8), Stephanie Nampiina (14), Rita Musamali (23) and Immaculate Nakisuuyi (11), ensuring Uganda remained below the three-figure mark.
In reply, Rwanda finished on 93/8 from their 20 overs. Shakila Niyomuhoza made 21 from 20 balls to top-score, while Fanny Utagushimaninde contributed 17 from 29 deliveries and Gisele Ishimwe added 10 from 15.
Uganda’s bowlers chipped away throughout the chase. Janet Mbabazi removed Gisele Ishimwe, while Immaculate Nakisuuyi picked up two wickets, dismissing Clarisse Umutoniwase (6) and Henriette Therese Ishimwe (6). Consylate Aweko Nimungu bowled Fanny Utagushimaninde, and Asumin Akurut trapped Alice Ikuzwe (6) lbw.
Rwanda also lost Merveille Uwase (5) and Shakila Niyomuhoza (21) to run-outs as the chase gathered little sustained momentum.
The pick of Uganda’s attack was Immaculate Nakisuuyi, who finished with 2/16 from four overs. Asumin Akurut was economical as well, returning 1/13 from four overs, while Janet Mbabazi, Consylate Aweko Nimungu and Sarah Walaza claimed one wicket apiece.
When the final ball was bowled, Rwanda were still six runs short of their target, giving Uganda a hard-earned victory in a contest where every run proved valuable.
