The Women’s Easter T20 Cup in Entebbe has already delivered thrilling contests, standout individual performances, and a clear statement of intent from the Victoria Pearls, who have emerged as the dominant side after the opening matches of the tournament.
Featuring three teams, the Victoria Pearls (Uganda W), Uganda A Women (Uganda A W), and USA Women (USA W), the competition has seen three completed games across the first two match days, with one fixture between Uganda W and Uganda A W unfortunately abandoned due to rain.
The tournament burst into life with a nail-biting encounter between the Victoria Pearls and USA W. Batting first after winning the toss, the Victoria Pearls posted a modest 103/5 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Esther Iloku, who crafted a composed unbeaten 40, while captain Janet Mbabazi contributed 23 at the top.
Despite disciplined bowling from USA W, particularly Ritu Priya Singh and Sainavi Kambalapalli, who picked up two wickets each, Uganda managed to set a competitive target.
In response, USA W came agonisingly close but fell short by just one run, finishing on 102/8. Gargi Bhogle (23) and Chetna Reddy Pagydyala (22) led the chase, but Uganda’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages. The standout performer was Sarah Akiteng, whose brilliant spell of 4/16 proved decisive, earning her the Player of the Match award.
The Victoria Pearls continued their strong form in their second outing, defeating Uganda A W convincingly by 50 runs.
Batting first again, the Victoria Pearls posted 100 all out in 19.2 overs. Janet Mbabazi led from the front with a well-constructed 42, while Esther Iloku once again provided stability with an unbeaten 20. However, Uganda A W bowlers showed promise, with Lorna Anyait picking up three wickets and Sarah Walaza delivering an economical spell.
Chasing 101, Uganda A W struggled against a disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for just 50 in 13.3 overs. The Victoria Pearls bowlers dominated proceedings, sealing a comprehensive victory and reinforcing their status as tournament Favorites.
The next game between Uganda W and Uganda A W was abandoned due to rain, slightly disrupting the early flow of the competition.
In the third completed match of the tournament (technically the fourth match), USA W returned to winning ways with a solid 20-run victory over Uganda A W.
USA W batted first and posted 107/7, built around a fluent 35 from Isani Mahesh Vaghela and a steady unbeaten 26 by Pooja Ganesh. Uganda A W bowlers, particularly Asumin Akurut (2/13), showed discipline but couldn’t prevent USA from crossing the 100-run mark.
In reply, Uganda A W fought hard but were restricted to 87/7. Jimia Abdallah Muhammed top-scored with 37, while Asumin Akurut added 23, but the chase lacked momentum. The star of the match was Aditiba Indrajitsinh Chudasama, whose exceptional bowling spell of 4/12 dismantled the Uganda A W batting lineup and earned her Player of the Match honours.
Outlook
With two wins from two matches, the Victoria Pearls have taken early control of the tournament, showcasing both batting resilience and bowling depth. USA W have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with the ball, while Uganda A W continue to gain valuable experience despite mixed results.
After a rest day, the tournament resumes today with a highly anticipated double-header. The Victoria Pearls face Uganda A W in the morning clash before taking on USA W later in the evening, a fixture that could prove pivotal in determining the eventual champions.
As the Women’s Easter T20 Cup progresses, the stage is set for more competitive cricket, rising stars, and defining performances in Entebbe for 3 more match days.