Uganda’s Victoria Pearls finally shook off their streak of near-misses with a gritty, statement victory on Sunday, edging Papua New Guinea by four runs in a tense contest that tested their nerve more than their skill.
What looked like another frustrating day for Uganda quickly turned into a showcase of leadership and resilience, with captain Janet Mbabazi dragging the side forward on both fronts. On a pitch tailor-made for batters, she produced the tournament’s first Ugandan half-century a composed 60 that powered the Pearls to 117/4. But it was her calmness in the final over with ball in hand that truly sealed the moment, shutting down PNG’s late charge when the game threatened to slip away.
Having fallen agonisingly short in their last two outings, Uganda carried the weight of expectation into the closing stages, but their bowlers and fielders rose to the occasion. Despite conditions that gave batters the advantage, the Pearls showed tactical discipline and sharp variation to protect their total.
Their next test comes today against the United Arab Emirates a side whose own struggles make them unpredictable. UAE have managed just one win from three, a record that gives Uganda opportunity but also heightens the pressure in what could be a defining fixture for both teams
