Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Women’s High Performance Centre (HPC) side suffered their first setback at the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament yesterday, narrowly losing to Uganda by four runs in a tense encounter in Kigali, Rwanda.
After opening their campaign with a four-run win over Nigeria earlier in the week, Zimbabwe came into the contest looking 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 chose to field first, managing to restrict Uganda to 105/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Despite a promising start with the bat, Zimbabwe fell short in their chase, finishing on 101/9.
They began well 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 dismantled a 34-run partnership between Ugandan skipper Janet Mbabazi, and Immaculate Nakisuuyi, removing both batters in the space of three balls.
Mbabazi top scored with 26 off 27, while Nakisuuyi fell for seven.
Uganda stumbled to 48/4 before Stephani Nampiina (22* off 29) and Prosscovia Alako steadied their 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 2/8 in four overs.
Munorwei and Mabhero each picked up one wicket.
In pursuit of 106, Zimbabwe Women HPC got off to a solid start thanks to a 37-run opening stand between Chiedza Dhururu and Chatonzwa.
But what followed was a dramatic batting collapse.
From 37/1 in the sixth over, they crumbled 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 player 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 each.
Mbabazi’s all round contribution earned her the Player of the Match honour.
Zimbabwe Women HPC won’t have long to reflect 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.
