Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Women’s High Performance Centre (HPC) side suffered their first setback at the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament on Thursday, narrowly losing to Uganda by four runs in a tense encounter in Kigali, Rwanda.
After opening their campaign with a four-run victory over Nigeria earlier in the week, Zimbabwe entered the contest aiming to build momentum. However, Uganda edged the clash in a nail-biting finish, leaving Zimbabwe with two points from a possible four after two matches.
Zimbabwe Women HPC won the toss and elected to field first, successfully restricting Uganda to 105/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a promising start with the bat, Zimbabwe fell just short in their chase, finishing on 101/9.
They began strongly with the ball, striking in the third over when Passionate Munorwei bowled Esther Iloku for just one run, reducing Uganda to 10/1.
Christabel Chatonzwa then broke a 34-run partnership between Ugandan skipper Janet Mbabazi and Immaculate Nakisuuyi, removing both batters in the space of three deliveries. Mbabazi top-scored with 26 off 27 balls, while Nakisuuyi was dismissed for seven.
Uganda stumbled to 48/4 before Stephani Nampiina (22* off 29) and Prosscovia Alako steadied the innings with a 34-run fifth-wicket stand. Alako was eventually dismissed for 18 by Lindokuhle Mabhero.
Chatonzwa was outstanding with the ball, finishing with figures of 2/8 from her four overs. Munorwei and Mabhero each claimed a wicket.
In pursuit of 106, Zimbabwe Women HPC got off to a solid start with a 37-run opening stand between Chiedza Dhururu and Chatonzwa.
However, a dramatic batting collapse followed. From 37/1 in the sixth over, they slumped to 72/6 by the 14th, losing five wickets for just 35 runs in eight overs.
Chatonzwa once again led from the front, top-scoring with 27 off 20 balls, while Loreen Tshuma added a patient 23 from 40 deliveries. Michelle Mavunga was the only other batter to reach double figures, contributing 14 off 16.
Concy Aweko starred with the ball for Uganda, taking 2/12 in her four-over spell. Kevin Amuge, Sarah Walaza, Sarah Akiteng, and Mbabazi also chipped in with a wicket apiece. Mbabazi’s all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match accolade.
Zimbabwe Women HPC will not have much time to dwell on the narrow defeat. They return to action today for their third match of the tournament against a confident Brazil side, who have won both of their opening games.
— @brandon_malvin
Bongani Ndlovu