March 16 turned out to be a box-office day, a day when the final standings of the Women’s T20I Quadrangular Series were to be determined. Just like any other day, two matches were lined up. The last day of the series was set to commence with the third-place playoff between Hong Kong and Nepal, followed by the grand finale featuring hosts Uganda and Namibia.
However, the weather played spoilsport for the first clash, as incessant rain led to the game being called off and abandoned without a single bowl being bowled.
Meanwhile, Uganda dominated the proceedings in a completely one-sided affair, comfortably defeating Namibia by eight wickets in the grand finale.
The hosts demonstrated a convincing show, outclassing their visitors to wrap up the series in style. Through this resounding win, Uganda not only took home the prized trophy but also solidified themselves as the top team of the tournament.
In the all-important match, Namibia won the toss and opted to bat, but the batters failed to answer the questions posted by the home team’s bowlers. Captain Sune Wittmann managed just 2 runs, while the top three batters failed to cross five runs, leaving Namibia in deep trouble.
Uganda’s Janet Mbabazi was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Edelle van Zyl and Jurriene Diergaardt were both run out for ducks. Wilka Mwatile showed some fight with a patient 22 off 53 balls, and 19-year-old Mekelaye Mwatile added 23 off 28 to push Namibia to a modest 71/9. Immaculate Nakisuuyi, who afterwards even chipped in with the bat, also grabbed a wicket, ensuring Uganda remained in control.
Namibia couldn’t have asked for a better start with the ball as Uganda captain Janet Mbabazi was dismissed for a golden duck. However, with such a paltry total on the board, the pressure never mounted onto the Ugandan batters. Esther Iloku provided stability with a 29-ball 17 before Player of the Match Immaculate Nakisuuyi and right-hand batter Rita Musamali took the responsibility to provide finishing touches.
Nakisuuyi anchored the chase with a composed 30 off 40 balls, while Musamali’s 22-ball 13 ensured there were no hiccups. Uganda comfortably crossed the finish line, winning the match by eight wickets with 30 balls to spare, capping off a dominant campaign on home soil.
Hong Kong’s batter Natasha Miles was the highest run-getter of the series, with 124 runs in six innings. Meanwhile, Uganda’s Janet Mbabazi allowed her ball to do the talking, as she finished as the leading wicket-taker with 11 scalps at a standout average of 8.18.
As the series came to closure, it showcased a phenomenal brand of cricket, with Uganda triumphing as the deserving winners. From standout individual performances to dominant and collective team efforts, the tournament provided valuable exposure and competitive experience for all four teams, setting the platform for many more future battles in women’s cricket.
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