Uganda’s national women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, began their title defence campaign in the 2025 Kwibuka women’s T20 tournament with a commanding 10-run victory over Cameroon at the Gahanga B Oval in Kigali today, Wednesday.
Victoria Pearls’ captain Janet Mbabazi won the toss and opted to bowl first with the impressive performance from Stephanie Nampiina and Mbabazi.
This match marked asignificant milestone for debutants Kevin Amuge and Sarah Tino who received their first international caps, with Amuge opening the bowling.
Uganda’s bowlers struck early and regularly, dismantling Cameroon for just 42 runs. Only one Cameroonian batter, Noan Adrienne Nogono (10), managed to reach double digits.
Veteran spinner Nampiina delivered a standout performance with a decision that surprised some but was tactically driven
by early moisture on the pitch, offering potential assistance to the bowlers.
The decision proved decisive, as Cameroon crumbled under relentless pressure, managing only 42 runs in 19.4 overs.
Nampiina was the star of the show, claiming an astonishing 3 wickets for just 3 runs in 3.4 overs, including two maidens, an effort that rightfully earned her the Player of the Match award.
Uganda’s response with the bat was nothing short of clinical. Openers Janet Mbabazi (26) and Esther Iloku (11) made quick work of the modest target, sealing the win in just 4.5 overs before the powerplay ended to complete an emphatic victory.
With confidence high and early momentum on their side, the Victoria Pearls now shift focus to their second fixture against Zimbabwe, set for tomorrow, Thursday, June 5, at 10:45 AM at the Gahanga Main Oval.
As defending champions, Uganda will be keen to carry this early dominance deeper into the tournament and make another strong case for the title.
