Kigali, Rwanda | June 13, 2025 – The Victoria Pearls saw their hopes of a historic final at the 11th Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament agonizingly dashed after a dramatic one-run defeat to Zimbabwe High Performance Centre (HPC) in the first semifinal at the Gahanga 2 Oval. The closely fought contest went down to the wire and ended in controversy, leaving the Ugandan dugout stunned.
Uganda will now battle for bronze against hosts Rwanda tomorrow morning in a playoff that promises redemption and pride.
Match Summary – Semifinal
- Zimbabwe HPC: 93/8 in 20 overs
- Uganda: 92 all out in 19.1 overs
- Result: Zimbabwe HPC won by 1 run
- Player of the Match: Nomvelo Sibanda – 2/14 in 4 overs, 14 off 14, involved in 6 fielding dismissals
- Next Fixture: Uganda vs. Rwanda – June 14, 3rd Place Playoff, 10:45 AM, Gahanga B Oval
After electing to bowl first, Uganda drew blood early as Kevin Amuge struck with the first ball. The Victoria Pearls dominated the powerplay with tight spells from Amuge (2/14), Phiona Kulume, and Consylate Awekonimungu, whose fiery 3/10 in 4 overs restricted Zimbabwe HPC to just 93/8.
The chase seemed firmly under control as Esther Iloku played a career-defining knock — a fluent 54 off 49 balls, including 8 boundaries — her maiden international half-century. Alongside skipper Janet Mbabazi (22 off 27), the pair stitched a confident 44-run opening stand, steering Uganda to 83/1 after 14.4 overs.
But the tide turned with Iloku’s dismissal, triggering an unbelievable collapse of 9 wickets for 9 runs in just 24 balls. Uganda needed two runs off the final over, but panic, inexperience, and a controversial run-out call ended their fairytale run.
As last batter Kevin Amuge lay injured and physio support entered the field, non-striker Sarah Akiteng ran across to check on her. Umpires ruled the ball still in play, resulting in the final, heartbreaking dismissal.
The match belonged to Nomvelo Sibanda, whose all-round brilliance swung the momentum. The left-arm seamer bagged 2 wickets for 14 runs in her full quota, struck 14 crucial runs off 14 balls, and featured in six fielding dismissals — a dazzling display that earned her the Player of the Match accolade.
“It is a painful loss,” said coach Deus Muhumuza. “We had the game in control for three quarters of the game. We are going to reflect and see where we failed to take responsibilities as batters. We must regroup quickly.”
Tomorrow’s bronze playoff is a rematch of Uganda’s group-stage loss to Rwanda. With both teams smarting from semifinal heartbreak — Rwanda were bowled out for 43 chasing 60 against Tanzania — the stage is set for a spirited battle for third place.
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