In a thrilling finish at the Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala, the Uganda Women narrowly defeated the Canada Women by 12 runs in the 5th T20I of their 2025 tour. Strategic partnerships, tight bowling spells, and disciplined fielding defined the match.
Uganda batted first after winning the toss and started cautiously. They lost their first wicket early – Esther Iloku was dismissed for 12 runs off 13 balls in just the 2.5 overs, leaving Uganda at 16/1. However, Captain Janet Mbabazi and Iloku’s partner built a crucial second-wicket partnership. Mbabazi played a steady innings, scoring 26 runs off 31 balls with 3 fours, while Immaculate Nakisuuyi contributed 12 runs off 20 balls before being dismissed when the score reached 57 in the 11.3 over.
Their 41-run partnership helped stabilise Uganda after a shaky start. After Nakisuuyi’s dismissal, Uganda lost their fourth wicket at 81, with Stephani Nampiina making 13 off 21 balls. Despite these setbacks, aggressive hits from Prosscovia Alako, who scored 17* runs off just 7 balls with 2 fours and a six, and Rita Musamali’s 28-ball 20* added vital momentum. Uganda ended their innings at 101 for 4 in 20 overs.
For Canada, Tiffany Thorpe was the standout bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 20 runs in her 3 overs. Amarpal Kaur also chipped in with 1 wicket for just 11 runs in 4 overs. Other bowlers like Vandana Mahajan helped keep the scoring under control with 1 wicket for 16 runs in 3 overs.
In reply, Canada struggled to establish any momentum in their chase of 102 runs. They lost wickets early, finding themselves at 8/1 in just the 1.1 overs and quickly slipping to 8/2 just a ball later. Their most significant partnership was a 24-run stand between captain Amarpal Kaur and Vandana Mahajan around the 6th over. Captain Amarpal Kaur and Mahajan fought hard to score 37 runs off 35 balls and 22 runs off 33 balls, respectively, but the middle and late overs saw wickets tumble rapidly.
Canada lost their 6th wicket at 84 in the 18.4 over, and in the final overs, three quick wickets fell, leaving them all out for 89 runs in 20 overs. Uganda’s bowlers were impressive, with Teddy Oyella and Naome Amongin stealing the spotlight by taking 4 wickets for just 19 runs and 3 wickets for just 12 runs in their 4 overs respectively, holding the Canadian chase in check.
Rita Musamali and Sarah Tino also contributed effectively, with Musamali taking 1 wicket for 16 runs and Tino 1 wicket for 15 runs, both in their 4 overs. Kevin Amuge bowled well, too, conceding 26 runs without taking a wicket, but maintaining pressure throughout. With this win, Uganda not only won the 5th T20I but swept the 5-match series 5-0.
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