The six-match T20I series between Namibia and Uganda ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, showcasing intense competition and rising standards in African women’s cricket. From Sune Wittmann’s inspiring leadership to Janet Mbabazi’s all-round brilliance, the series was a blend of individual heroics and team resilience, keeping fans on the edge till the very last ball.
1st T20I: Uganda clinch a thrilling 2-run win in a low-scoring opener
The six-match T20I series between hosts Namibia and Uganda began with a low-scoring contest as Namibia put Uganda to bat first in the opening game. A disciplined bowling effort, coupled with regular wickets, restricted Uganda to a modest 98/5. Esther Iloku’s 47 and Stephani Nampiina’s 33 were the only notable contributions with the bat. Namibia’s opening bowler, Wilka Mwatile, was the standout performer, finishing with figures of 2/16 from her four overs. Despite a solid start by Namibia’s captain, Sune Wittmann, a double strike from Sarah Akiteng turned the tide. A strong bowling display and a couple of chaotic runouts helped Uganda secure a thrilling 2-run win, with Akiteng shining with figures of 3/6 from four overs.
2nd T20I: Bowlers shine as Uganda secure another close 5-run victory
The second T20I followed a similar pattern, with Namibia once again opting to bowl first. Uganda struggled to build momentum and managed just 95/5, as another impressive bowling effort from Namibia stifled the visitors. In response, Uganda’s bowlers delivered another tight performance, with Concy Aweko dismissing Wittmann for a duck in the second over. A disciplined bowling attack and consistent pressure enabled Uganda to claim a narrow 5-run victory.
3rd T20I: Namibia bounce back with a 23-run win, led by Green’s 48
In the third T20I, Uganda won the toss and elected to field, breaking Namibia’s pattern of bowling first. Namibia capitalized on a strong opening partnership between Wittmann and Kayleen Green, with Green scoring 48 to set up a respectable total of 124/5. Early breakthroughs by Saima Tuhadeleni, Eveleen Kejarukua, and Mekelaye Mwatile left Uganda reeling. Despite a resilient lower-order partnership between Kevin Awino and Malisa Ariokot, Uganda fell short by 23 runs.
4th T20I: Wittmann’s fifty powers Namibia to level the series 2-2
Namibia won the toss in the fourth T20I and chose to bat. The decision nearly backfired, as only captain Wittmann, with a valiant 54, provided resistance. The team collapsed to 114/8, with Sarah Walaza impressing for Uganda with figures of 2/25. Defending the modest target, Namibia’s bowlers applied pressure from the outset, forcing multiple runouts. Uganda could only muster 93/6, with Immaculate Nakisuuyi top scoring with 35. Namibia’s 21-run win leveled the series 2-2 after trailing 0-2.
5th T20I: Mwatile’s all-round brilliance gives Namibia a 1-run edge
In the fifth T20I, Namibia batted first again after winning the toss. Mekelaye Mwatile’s unbeaten 60* rescued Namibia from a precarious 29/4, helping the team post 126/6. Mwatile then struck early in Uganda’s chase, dismissing Shakirah Sadick. A 56-run partnership between Esther Iloku and Janet Mbabazi nearly took the game away from Namibia. However, Mwatile and Jurriene Diergaardt triggered a dramatic collapse, bowling out Uganda for 125 to secure a nail-biting 1-run victory. This win gave Namibia a 3-2 lead in the series.
6th T20I Uganda’s last-ball win levels the series in dramatic fashion
Uganda leveled the series 3-3 in the final T20I with a thrilling last-ball, 5-wicket victory at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek. After electing to field, Uganda restricted Namibia to 139/4, thanks to disciplined bowling led by Janet Mbabazi, who took 2/32 and dismissed captain Wittmann. Namibia’s Kayleen Green anchored the innings with a steady 48 off 61 balls, supported by Yasmeen Khan’s 35 and a quick-fire 21 from Wilka Mwatile. Uganda’s chase began shakily, but a composed 39* from Stephani Nampiina, a vital 40 from Rita Musamali, and a key contribution of 14 from Mbabazi sealed the victory. Uganda ran three runs of the final ball to secure the series draw.
The six-match T20I series between Namibia and Uganda ended in a 3-3 draw, concluding one of the most captivating bilateral contests in recent memory. Both teams displayed tremendous resilience, skill, and determination, with matches frequently decided in the final overs. Namibia’s captain Sune Wittmann led from the front with critical innings, including a match-winning fifty, while Mekelaye Mwatile and Kayleen Green delivered standout performances with both bat and ball.
Uganda’s Janet Mbabazi was instrumental with her all-round skills, complemented by consistent contributions from Esther Iloku and Stephani Nampiina. This thrilling series showcased the growing depth and competitiveness of African women’s cricket, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this intense rivalry.
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