The Victoria Pearls reignited their campaign at the Emerging Nations Cup in Thailand with a polished, emotionally charged performance that swept aside Tanzania by seven wickets an outcome that felt as much like redemption as it did dominance.
Coming into the fixture with memories of painful defeats to Tanzania at the Global Qualifiers in Namibia, Uganda carried more than just tactical motivation. This was a chance to reclaim ground, restore belief, and reset the narrative between two familiar East African rivals. And they seized it with conviction.
Skipper Janet Mbabazi, returning to her calm and calculated best, won the toss and chose to bowl a decision that set the tone for Uganda’s most disciplined bowling display of the tournament. Tanzania’s innings never settled. Consy Aweko struck early with a brilliant caught-and-bowled that removed key batter Saum Mtae, draining momentum from a side that often thrives on early aggression.
But it was Uganda’s collective sharpness in the field that crushed Tanzania’s hopes. A flurry of run-outs four in total reflected a team firing with urgency, communication, and precision. Every bowler had a hand in dismantling the innings, though Immaculate Nakisuyi stood tallest with an impressive 2 for 14. Akiteng, brought back into the XI, justified her selection with a steady 1 for 13, while Aweko’s 1 for 3 underscored her influence.
Bundled out for a modest 54, Tanzania never looked in control.
Uganda’s chase was measured rather than frantic. Esther Iloku anchored the innings with an assured, unbeaten 28, while Mbabazi added 13 to guide the side home despite minor hiccups that saw three wickets fall along the way. The victory was emphatic, cathartic, and a timely boost after earlier stumbles in the tournament.
With spirits lifted and momentum finally restored, the Victoria Pearls now shift their attention to their final assignment an intriguing clash against the Netherlands. One more disciplined performance, and Uganda will return home with a renewed sense of purpose.
