Namibia have pulled off an incredible comeback to tie the current six-match T20I series against Uganda 2-2 in what has been an exciting see-saw series between two determined teams. Namibia recovered with iron grit and won the next two games after losing the first two by slim margins of five and two runs, respectively.
After winning the third T20 International by 23 runs, they put up another strong show in the fourth, defending 114 runs and holding Uganda to 93/6 to win by 21 runs. The fightback was greatly aided by star all-rounder Sune Wittmann, who won Player of the Match with a game-winning hit of 54 off 43 balls in the fourth game. Now that the series is evenly balanced at 2-2, all eyes will be on the fifth T20 International in Windhoek on April 14, where both teams will try to secure the series, with a 6 T20I to follow.
Squads:
Namibia women’s cricket team
Bianca Manuel, Edelle Van Zyl, Sylvia Shihepo, Jurriene Diergaardt, Kayleen Green, Mekelaye Mwatile, Sune Wittmann, Wilka Mwatile, Merczerly Gorases, Yasmeen Khan, Eveleen Kejarukua, Leigh-Marie Visser, Naomi Benjamin, Saima Tuhadeleni, Victoria Hamunyela
Uganda women’s cricket team
Malisa Ariokot, Phiona Kulume, Rita Musamali, Shakirah Sadick, Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Janet Mbabazi, Esther Iloku, Kevin Awino, Concy Aweko, Evelyn AnyipoIrene Mutonyi, Irene Mutonyi, Sarah Akiteng, Sarah Walaza
Players to watch out:
Sune Wittmann
For Namibia, Sune Wittmann has been a reliable player who has contributed with the bat and the ball. She has accumulated 1360 runs, in 77 innings in the Women’s T20Is, and has scored about 96 runs in 4 innings in the ongoing series. Additionally, she has taken 47 wickets at an economy rate of 4.58.
Eveleen Kejarukua
In the ongoing series, Eveleen Kejarukua has shown off her bowling ability by taking four wickets in as many innings. Namibia’s bowling attack benefits greatly from her ability to take important wickets while keeping a low economy rate. At an average of 11.10, she has taken 19 wickets in 17 innings in T20Is.
Sarah Akiteng
Sarah Akiteng has been outstanding for Uganda in this series so far, collecting five wickets in four games, including a three-wicket haul. She is a 22-year-old emerging star from Uganda who has taken 50 wickets from as many T20I innings at an economy rate of 4.27 and an average of 15.40.
Esther Iloku
Esther Iloku, who has scored 70 runs in 4 innings, gives Uganda’s batting lineup solidity. She’s been in poor form for the past two bouts, but in this one, we can see her turning things around. At a strike rate of 68.45, the young player has added 293 runs in 24 innings, including a high of 47 in the current series against Namibia.
Pitch:
Particularly in the T20 format, the High-Performance Oval has historically provided a balanced surface with a little tilt towards bowlers. Run-making is difficult and bowlers frequently control the action. Due to the pitch’s slowness, spinners enter the game in the middle overs, while pacers will benefit from early movement off the surface.
Weather:
It is anticipated that Windhoek will have clear, cricket-friendly conditions. During the match hours, the temperature will hover around 28°C, and the humidity will be low at about 30%. The forecast is for moderate wind speeds of 10 km/h, which won’t help swing bowlers much.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sune Wittmann, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Esther Iloku, Kayleen Green, Rita Musamali, Evelyn Anyipo, Mekelaye Mwatile, Concy Aweko, Sarah Akiteng, Wilka Mwatile, Yasmeen Khan
Match details:
Date – April 14, 2025
Time – 5:30 PM IST
Venue – High Performance Oval, Windhoek
Broadcast – Fans can watch all the live action on FanCode.
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