malvernmugadzikwa
Sports Reporter
AFTER two convincing wins, Zimbabwe A ladies’ team finally met their match as the young side went down to a more seasoned Uganda by 75 runs at the ongoing Kwibuka Women’s T20 tournament in Rwanda yesterday.
Uganda won the toss and elected to bat as they posted what turned out to be an unassailable 165 for two, led by unbeaten half-centuries from opener Immaculate Nakisuuyi and top-order batter Proscovia Alako.
In contrast, Zimbabwe could only muster 90 runs as the women’s A-side were bowled out in under 16 overs.
The East Africans’ top order turned out to be the difference-makers as they all made solid contributions, while Zimbabwe’s bowling attack struggled all day.
Openers Janet Mbabazi and Nakisuuyi got the ball rolling with a 31-run first-wicket partnership off 28 balls.
Mbabazi was one of two wickets to fall after the Uganda skipper was bowled out by Kelis Ndhlovu for her 17 runs off 16 balls.
That wicket brought Stephanie Nampiina to the crease, and she put up a quick-fire 23 runs off 23 balls before being caught behind by Zimbabwe wicket-keeper Chiedza Dhururu off the bowling of Mitchel Mavunga.
Prior to that, the duo of Nakisuuyi and Nampiina had put together a 42-run off 37 balls second-wicket stand.
Two wickets down and only 73 runs on the board for the loss of two wickets, the duo of Nakisuuyi and Alako then took the game away from Zimbabwe.
Their third-wicket stand saw the two pile up 92 runs off 57 balls, with Nakisuuyi finishing up unbeaten on 52 runs off 42 balls, while Alako chipped in an unbeaten 62 runs off 41 balls. Set 166 runs for victory, Zimbabwe A never really got going, with only four batters managing double-digit figures, while wickets fell at regular intervals.
Even the usually reliable Ndhlovu, who came into the match on the back of two player-of-the-match performances, failed to make a dent in the target. The 18-year-old opener was sent back to the pavilion for a golden duck after being caught by Rita Musamali off the bowling of Sarah Walaza.
Her fellow opening partner did not fare any better as she, too, was sent packing for a four-ball duck by Walaza.
Ugandan pace bowler Walaza finished the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for just four runs from her three overs.
The duo of Immaculate Nandera and Patricia Malemikia chipped in with two wickets apiece for 35 and 23 runs, respectively, while Malisa Ariokot and Consy Aweko each picked up a wicket. Zimbabwe A struggled with the bat as only Dhururu (11), Runyararo Pasipanodya (12), Christina Mutasa (15) and Kudzai Chigora (15) managed double-digit figures.
Online Reporter