Eveleen Kejarukua could hardly hide her satisfaction after Namibia finally got one over Uganda, with the Capricorn Eagles claiming a narrow four-run victory to hand the Victoria Pearls their first defeat of the Victoria Series.
In Kejarukua’s sight, the victory was particularly important. Having struggled in their opening outing, Namibia needed a response, and beating a familiar Uganda side was the perfect way to make their mark in the tournament.
The all-round bowler played a key role in the triumph, taking three wickets for 25 runs as Namibia defended a modest total of 81 in a tense contest.
“We didn’t start off well on our first match, so we had to redeem ourselves, and we had to make it right, especially playing against Uganda,” Kejarukua said.
“We’ve played so much against each other that it’s always like at the last minute, drama, stressful, but it really meant a lot because we had to win and make a mark while we’re here in this tournament. Now, two home games, then the final.”
Uganda had won the toss and elected to bowl, making one change to the side that had featured in the previous game, with Kampi Nainabho handed her debut in place of Asumin Akurut.
The hosts made good use of the decision, keeping Namibia quiet and preventing them from building any meaningful partnerships.
Sarah Walaza and captain Janet Mbabazi led Uganda’s bowling effort, picking up three wickets each for 18 and 13 runs respectively. Nainabho also marked her debut with a wicket during her three-over spell.
Namibia eventually managed 81 runs in their allotted 20 overs, only slightly improving on the 74 they had scored against Uganda in the first-round encounter.
It was a target Uganda would have fancied chasing, especially after making a promising start.
Proscovia Alako scored 21, while Rita Musamali added 19 as the Victoria Pearls appeared to be in control of the chase.
However, Musamali’s dismissal sparked a collapse that Namibia capitalised on, leaving Uganda struggling at 61 for seven in the 16th over.
Malisa Ariokot tried to keep the chase alive with 12 runs, battling alongside the lower order, but Namibia were not prepared to let the opportunity slip.
The Capricorn Eagles remained disciplined with the ball, giving away just 12 runs in the final 24 deliveries to leave Uganda four runs short.
It was a painful way for the Victoria Pearls to lose their unbeaten record, having done much of the hard work with the ball but failing to finish the job with the bat.
However, for Namibia it was a reward for patience, discipline and a refusal to panic when Uganda looked capable of getting over the line.
Kejarukua was equally quick to recognise those who have stood behind the team throughout the competition, thanking their families, supporters and partners back home.
“I just want to say thank you so much for your support and always having the Capricorns back. We appreciate all the love, all the messages and all the support that comes through,” she said.
“Back home, our families, our fans, Cricket Namibia, Capricorn Eagles and Capricorn Group, thank you so much for everything, and I just want to say please keep on supporting us and always having our back, and we’ll continue making you proud.”
Namibia will have little time to celebrate their victory, with the Capricorn Eagles scheduled to face the USA on Wednesday afternoon in their fifth match of the series.