A solid batting performance by Uganda’s Captain Barbara Mukankusi helped Uganda to thump Sierra Leone in their opening fixture of the ICC Africa women’s T20 tournament at Lugogo.
Uganda who won the toss and elected to bat chose to go for an experienced opening pair of Mukankusi and Mary Naderenga with the latter run out with figures of 14 off 21.There was no panic however as vice Captain Scovia Akello’s quick 16 and Stella Atim’s 17 kept Uganda’s hopes high.
It was however Mukankusi’s unbeaten 69 off 59 and Sierra Leones dreadful bowling (31 extras) that caught the attention as the hosts matched on to a total of 152/4 in 20 overs.
Sierra Leone’s inadequacy was apparent as Mackenzie Ayato (1/9) and Franklyn Najjumba’s(1/3) opening partnership went a long way in neutralizing their chase but its Flavia Laker’s 2/3 in one over and Concy Aweko’s 2/5 that put Uganda beyond reach. Sierra Leone were reduced to 30 all out in 18.4 overs.
“This victory means a lot to us and lifted a lot of pressure off the team. It set the momentum that we would like to maintain throughout the tournament.”Said Uganda’s captain Mukankusi after the game.
Earlier in the day, Nigeria were bowled out for a miserable 35 by Kenya in the opening fixture of the tournament. Nigeria who won the toss and chose to bat had no answers for Kenya’s bowling attack with Belinda Maska (2/2) and Sarah Bhakita’s 2/8 sinking the West African side the most.
At Entebbe, Tanzania (94/4) overcame a spirited Namibia (88/6 in 20) by six runs.
Uganda’s next game will be against Namibia on Saturday morning(09:00 AM) at Lugogo.