Uganda Women kicked off their five-match WT20I series against Canada with a fantastic performance, winning the first WT20I by a comfortable seven wickets at Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala. From start to finish, they dominated the match, showcasing their skills in both bowling and batting.
After winning the toss and choosing to field first, Uganda’s bowlers ran through Canada’s line-up in no time. The visitors struggled to find their rhythm, losing wickets steadily and limping to a total of just 67 runs in 19 overs. Only captain Amarpal Kaur managed to show some resistance with a gritty 18 runs off 31 balls, but even her efforts couldn’t save Canada from a disappointing innings.
Kevin Amuge was the standout performer for Uganda, delivering an exceptional spell with figures of 4 for 17 in just 4 overs. The rest of the bowling unit also held their own, maintaining pressure and ensuring Canada’s top and middle order never got a foothold in the game. By the time Canada reached the halfway point in their innings, they had lost half their wickets for a mere 30 runs, signalling an inevitable collapse.
In pursuit of 68, Uganda Women approached the chase with impressive calmness and maturity. The openers set a solid foundation, and while a few wickets fell, the target was always within reach. Janet Mbabazi played a key role, scoring a steady 37* runs off 34 balls. Uganda completed the chase in just 12 overs, finishing at 68 for 3, and secured a convincing seven-wicket victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
This match was more than just a win for Uganda; it demonstrated their growing prowess in women’s cricket. Their disciplined bowling and composed batting showed a maturity that speaks volumes about their development. On the flip side, Canada will need to regroup quickly after this loss, as their batters struggled against Uganda’s pace, and their bowlers failed to create sustained pressure.
The first T20I of the 5-match series was a memorable showcase of Uganda’s rise in women’s cricket, featuring precision in bowling, smart batting decisions, and confident leadership. It was a thrilling match for fans, proving that Uganda Women are not just hosting this series, but setting a high standard for it.
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