- Game 3: Uganda W v Kenya W
- Time & Date: 3:30pm EAT | September 3
- Venue: Namibia Cricket Ground
The Victoria Pearls find themselves in a must win situation against their East African neighbours Kenya in order for them to make the play offs of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Uganda lost their opening game of the tournament against Tanzania which put them in a difficult position but a win against Rwanda in the follow up game kept their tournament alive.
Uganda will need to be at their best when they face Kenya who have not won any game in the tournament so far.
Kenya gave both Tanzania and Rwanda a run for their money but in the end they were not good enough to get a result against either of the sides.
Uganda will come into the game as favourites but well knowing that Kenya can be a potential banana skin.
Uganda’s bowling has leaked many runs so far, 122 against Tanzania and 115 against Rwanda which has put some pressure on their batting, especially since they have slow starts.
The inadequacies of the team, especially in the power play has always left the team chasing the game. If Uganda can put Kenya under pressure with the ball it would mean that their batting doesn’t have a lot of work to do.
Uganda’s batting has not been exhausted so far in the tournament but it will be necessary for everyone to be ready to make a contribution.
Irene Mutonyi has impressed with the old ball at the backend but she is still struggling to impact the game with a new ball. Consy Aweko has been used sparingly and her influence in the game against Tanzania outlined how important she is to the set up.
Immaculate Nakisuyi has been impressive as an alternative to the regular bowlers and her fielding has also supported the team especially in the deep areas.
Rita Musamali is the only batter who has shown intent every time she has gone out to bat and her composure will be required in the middle order to help the rest of the troops.
On the flat Namibia decks and quick outfield, it will be hard to win games with the ball and therefore if Uganda can get their batting to click tomorrow, they will be in business.
The math’s of the group has three teams all with a chance of making the playoffs. Tanzania are top of the group with a perfect record so far but if they lose to Rwanda by a big margin and Uganda picks up a big win they could slip from 1st to 3rd.
Uganda is in second place and Rwanda in 3rd both teams on the same number of points and only separated by net run rate. Kenya the only team yet to win a game so far in the tournament.
However, for Uganda the math is simple, if they are able to win against Kenya it should be enough for them to secure a semifinal place either as 1st or 2nd in Group B.
It will be very unlikely that the technical team will make any changes to the side that defeated Rwanda, only Phiona Khulume and Kevin Amuge have not played a game so far in the tournament.