Janet Mbabazi, Immaculate Nakisuuyi Star as Uganda Women Beat USA by Defending 101

The contest between Uganda Women and USA Women in the last game of the Easter Women’s T20 Tournament 2026 unfolded as a steady, tactical T20 encounter where momentum ebbed and flowed rather than exploding in bursts. Uganda’s innings began with intent but not recklessness, as their top order focused on building a base rather than chasing early fireworks.

Janet Mbabazi, Immaculate Nakisuuyi Star as Uganda Women Beat USA by Defending 101
Janet Mbabazi, Immaculate Nakisuuyi Star as Uganda Women Beat USA by Defending 101; PC: Getty

Janet Mbabazi led from the front with a composed 31 off 36 balls, anchoring the innings through the powerplay and beyond. She found intermittent support from Stephanie Nampiina, who added 5 off 8, and Immaculate Nakisuuyi, who chipped in with 7 off 8. While the scoring rate hovered at a controlled pace, Uganda avoided a collapse thanks to sensible partnerships rather than individual dominance.

The middle phase saw Rita Musamali step in with a calm and measured 21* off 32 deliveries, ensuring stability when wickets could have derailed the innings. Esther Iloku contributed 14 off 25, stitching a crucial partnership that carried Uganda through the middle overs. Late in the innings, Malisa Ariokot provided a much-needed boost with an aggressive 13* off just 5 balls, striking at 260.00 and pushing the total beyond what looked likely earlier. Uganda eventually closed their 20 overs at 101/5, with extras contributing 7 runs, small but valuable in a low-scoring contest.

From the USA bowling perspective, Maahi Madhavan stood out with a strong spell of 3 wickets for 13 runs in her 3 overs, consistently breaking partnerships and applying pressure. Adithiba Indrajithsin Chudasama also impressed with figures of 1/15 from 4 overs, maintaining tight lines. Ritu Priya Singh (1/20 in 4 overs) and Sainavi Kambalapalli (0/13 in 4 overs) ensured Uganda never accelerated freely, while Tarannum Chopra (0/31) proved slightly expensive in comparison.

Also Read:  Immaculate Nakisuuyi Stars as Uganda Defend 93 to Seal Comfortable Win Over Uganda A

Chasing 102, the USA Women had a shaky start as Uganda’s bowlers struck early and kept the required rate in check. Sainavi Kambalapalli managed 18 off 23 but couldn’t convert her start, while Chetna Reddy Pagydyala added 8 off 9. The innings struggled to gain rhythm as Isani Mahesh Vaghlela’s brisk 19 off 19 briefly threatened to shift momentum. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, 1/25, 2/39, and 3/55, halting any meaningful buildup.

Pooja Ganesh tried to stabilise the innings with a patient 12* off 17, but lacked substantial support. Gargi Bhogle (1 off 4) and Ritu Priya Singh (2 off 10) couldn’t contribute effectively in the middle overs. Aparna Gurumurthy remained unbeaten on 2 off 2, but by then the required acceleration was too steep. USA finished at 66/5 in 14 overs, still needing 36 runs from the remaining 6 overs, with the required run rate exactly 6.00, but momentum clearly favouring Uganda.

Uganda’s bowling attack was disciplined and impactful throughout. Immaculate Nakisuuyi delivered a match-defining spell, picking up 4 wickets for just 17 runs in her 4 overs, dismantling the USA batting lineup at key moments. Consylate Aweko Nimungu supported well with 1/17 in 3 overs, while Mutonyi Irene (0/11 in 2 overs) and Sarah Akiteng (0/14 in 3 overs) kept things tight. Captain Janet Mbabazi also contributed economically with 0/7 in 2 overs, ensuring no easy runs were conceded.

The match was defined by Uganda Women’s composure with the bat and their clinical bowling execution. Despite a modest total of 101/5, their bowlers defended it expertly, highlighting how partnerships, discipline, and timely breakthroughs can outweigh sheer scoring power in T20 cricket.

Loves all things female cricket

Also Read:  Multiple last-ball finishes see Namibia and Uganda share honors in a thrilling T20I series

Liked the story? Leave a comment here

List of Wisden Leading Women’s Cricketers in the World (2014-2025) See Pictures: Harleen Deol’s Top 10 Fashion Highlights See Pictures: Shreyanka Patil’s Fun Off-Field Snaps with Birthday Girl Arundhati Reddy
Most Popular Female Cricketers on Instagram List of 10 Brother-Sister pair in Cricket Husband-Wife Pair in Cricket