Day 6: Khadka’s 47 and all-rounder Mbabazi power Nepal and Uganda to wins as playoffs spot decided

Namibia defeated Hong Kong by seven wickets in the 9th Match of the Quadrangular series, day 5, while hosts Uganda defeated Nepal by 40 runs in the 10th match of the quadrangular series. On day 6 action, Nepal were up against Hong Kong and hosts Uganda faced Namibia in the 12th match of the series.

Day 6: Khadka's 47 and all-rounder Mbabazi power Nepal and Uganda to wins as playoffs spot decided
Day 6: Khadka’s 47 and all-rounder Mbabazi power Nepal and Uganda to wins as playoffs spot decided

Shanzeen Shahzad’s half-century in vain as Nepal return to winning ways

Hong Kong posted a competitive total of 104/8 in their quota of 20 overs on the back of an impressive half-century (54 off 47 balls) from Shanzeen Shahzad after skipper Natasha Miles won the toss and opted to bat first. Kary Chan (16 off 29 balls), and wicket-keeper batter Yasmin Daswani (14 off 15 balls) chipped in with crucial contributions with the bat for Hong Kong. The 63-run partnership for the 3rd wicket between Kary Chan and Shanzeen Shahzad was the highest partnership of the innings.

Rajmati Airee (4-0-17-3), skipper Indu Barma (4-1-12-2), and skipper Puja Mahato (4-0-14-1) were the standout performers with the ball for Nepal. Chasing a target of 105, Nepal got over the line with six wickets in hand and three balls to spare. The 53-run opening stand between skipper Indu Barma (18 off 32 balls) and Samjhana Khadka (47 off 43 balls) was the highest partnership of the run chase.

Puja Mahato (20* off 26 balls) played a crucial role in guiding her side over the line to seal a crucial victory for Nepal. Emma Lai (4-0-24-1), Kary Chan (4-1-16-0), and Joyleen Kaur (4-0-21-0) were impressive with the ball for Hong Kong. The Nepalian opening batter Smjhana Khadka was awarded the Player of the Match for her vital innings in a run chase, playing an instrumental role as the Indu Barma-led side returned to winning ways.

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Clinical Uganda registers massive 74-run win over Namibia

Decent partnerships throughout the middle order, propelled the hosts Uganda to a competitive total of 119/7 in their quota of 20 overs after skipper Janet Mbabazi won the toss and opted to bat first. The 46-run partnership for the 6th wicket between Malisa Ariokot (19* off 20 balls) and Stephani Nampiina (30 off 21 balls) was the highest partnership of the innings. Skipper Janet Mbabazi (25 off 38 balls), Immaculate Nakisuuyi (20 off 19 balls), and Rita Musamali (10 off 16 balls) were the crucial contributors with the bat for Uganda.

Kayleen Green (4-0-21-2), and Wilka Mwatile (4-0-13-1) were sensational with the ball, while Saima Tuhadeleni (3-0-16-2), and Eveleen Kejarukua (4-0-22-0) were impressive for Namibia. Chasing a target of 120, Namibia folded for 45 with 34 balls to spare, and as a result, falling 74 runs short of the target.

Wicket-keeper batter Merczerly Gorases (10 off 20 balls), was the only batter to enter into the double digits for Namibia. Immaculate Nakisuuyi (4-0-13-2), Sarah Akiteng (4-1-13-1), Concy Aweko (2.2-0-3-1) were sensational with the ball for Uganda.

Skipper Janet Mbabazi was awarded the Player of the Match for her brilliant all-round performance; 25 off 38 balls with the bat and 1-0-4-1 with the ball. She played an instrumental role in helping Uganda seal back-to-back victories in the Quadrangular series.

After 6 games each, table-toppers Uganda, with 4 wins, and Namibia, with 3 wins, have advanced to the Final, scheduled for March 16. Notably, Hong Kong also finished with 6 points from 3 wins but, due to an inferior net run rate, will play the 3rd place playoff against Nepal, who managed only 2 wins from 4 games.

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