Capricorn Eagles Quadrangular Series 2023:
Winners: Uganda W
Teams: Namibia (Hosts), UAE, Uganda, Hong Kong
The Victoria Pearls had no time to celebrate their Victoria Series triumph as they flew to Windhoek for the Capricorn Eagles Quadrangular Series that featured UAE, Namibia and Hong Kong. The Victoria Pearls would be meeting 22nd ranked Hong Kong for the 1st time in competitive cricket. The Victoria Pearls had made gains in the global T20 rankings and came into the tournament as 19th in the World ahead of Namibia in 20th and Hong Kong in 22nd with the UAE still 15th in the World.
The tournament was played on a home and away format with each side at least guaranteed six games before the final. Uganda took on UAE barely 24 hours after arrival losing by 50 runs in their 1st game, they came back well to pick wins against Hong Kong by 4 wickets in the second, a toss to hosts Namibia in their third game left them playing catch up but two wins against UAE and Namibia separated by a loss to Hong Kong got them to finish second hosts Namibia.
In a low scoring final Uganda won the toss and batted 1st in overcast conditions and scoring runs was very difficult as they scored just one run every over for the 1st seven overs. The loss of wickets didnt change fortune for the approach until the Stephanie Nampiina (22) took initiative with some counter attacking play and she got support from Immaculate Nakisuyi (26) who batted well with the tail to help Uganda finished on 93/5 from their 20 overs.
In the chase the total the Victoria Pearls were very mean upfront largely due to the efforts of Irene Alumo (2/10) who set the tone of the game, Namibia took their time taking the game very deep probably trying to wait for their moment to cash in but a tidy bowling line keep them in check and with 13 runs required off the final over Stephanie Nampiina held her nerve giving away just 10 runs as the visitors came from behind to win an entertaining series.
For their outstanding performances during the series batter Proscovia Alako and fast bowler Irene Alumo were selected by the fair break scouts to become part of the fair break family. The two youngsters will have a chance to meet up with some of the best players in the World when the next fair break event comes around.
The Victoria Pearls winning two back to back tournaments and third trophy for them in the last three events they have been able to take part in. Consy Aweko and her team winning trophies since the series in Kenya in December last year.
