The ongoing Quadrangular T20I Series in Uganda has delivered one thrilling contest after another, keeping cricket fans hooked with edge-of-the-seat action. Day 4 of the tournament saw two gripping encounters, each decided in the dying moments. In a high-scoring spectacle, Namibia outgunned Nepal in a run-fest, while the clash between Hong Kong and Uganda lived up to expectations, producing yet another electrifying, high-intensity showdown.
Namibia outclass Nepal to register comfortably 23-run win
In Match No. 7 of the series, Namibia posed against Nepal, where the latter won the toss and opted to field first. Left-arm medium pacer Ishwori Bist set the tone early, dismantling Namibia’s top order with two stunning deliveries. She shook the stumps of skipper Sune Wittmann (15) and Kayleen Green (8), putting Namibia in early trouble.
Yasmeen Khan, however, steadied the ship with a vital knock, scoring 45 off 44 balls, punctuated by five boundaries. Wilka Mwatile’s 20 off 23 balls saw the total go past the 100-run mark, while Jurriene Diergaardt gave late punch with a sharp 16* off 12 balls. Namibia scored 125/8 after the completion of 20 overs. Bist ended with figures of 3/40 at the end of play, but the pick of the bowlers was left-arm orthodox spinner Rachana Chaudhary, who bowled an excellent 2/9 from her four overs.
In reply, Nepal’s pursuit never really picked up momentum as the required run rate continued to rise. Sana Praveen was the top-scorer with a solid 31, and Puja Mahato and Indu Barma contributed run-a-ball scores of 15 each. Nepal lost just five wickets but were unable to maintain the asking rate and ended at 102/5 in their 20-over quota.
227 is the highest match aggregate involving Nepal and Namibia in a Women’s T20 International match. Indu Barma broke the record of most catches for a fielder for Nepal in Women’s T20 International, plucking 24 catches, while going past Rubina Chhetry.
Hong Kong stun Uganda in penultimate ball finish
In Match No. 8, Uganda opted to bat first after winning the toss. Their middle-order batters, Rita Musamali and Stephani Nampiina, contributed crucial runs, scoring 26 and 32*, respectively. In the top order, Immaculate Nakisuuyi added 19 runs to the total. Hong Kong, in response, utilized eight bowlers in their effort to contain the Ugandan batting lineup. Alison Siu (2/18 off 4) and Kary Chan (2/12 off 4) scalped 2 wickets each while Joyleen Kaur picked up 1 wicket.
Hong Kong pulled off a composed yet thrilling chase, sealing victory with just one ball to spare. Top-order batters Shanzeen Shahzad and Mariko Hill set the foundation with well-compiled knocks of 33 and 30, respectively. However, skipper Natasha Miles was unfortunate to be run out for just 6. Wicketkeeper Yasmin Daswani contributed a handy 17, while bowling all-rounder Maryam Bibi’s quickfire 14 off 11 balls provided the finishing touch, guiding Hong Kong across the line. For her crucial innings and 2 catches, Shanzeen Shahzad was named the Player of the Match.
247 is the highest match aggregate involving Uganda and Hong Kong in Women’s T20 Internationals.
With this win, their third consecutive victory after losing the opener, Hong Kong solidify their position at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Namibia, with this crucial win and a slightly better net run rate than Uganda, also on 4 points, climb to the second spot.
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