Baby Victoria Pearls Bounce Back Against Tanzania to Revive World Cup Hopes

Uganda’s tough bowling attack, led by Sarah Tino, Joan Ilora and Irene Mutonyi, helped the Baby Victoria Pearls bounce back from their defeat to Nigeria with a five-wicket victory over hosts Tanzania in the ongoing ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup Africa Division One Qualifiers in Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania were bowled out for 41 runs in 16.1 overs before Uganda chased down the target, reaching 42 for five in 9.1 overs to secure a crucial five-wicket victory.

The win at the Estim Oval on Monday, August 31, gives Uganda a lifeline in the qualifiers after they suffered a four-wicket defeat to Nigeria in their opening Group A match.

Having lost the toss, Uganda were asked to bowl first by Tanzania, but the hosts struggled to build any momentum against a disciplined Ugandan bowling attack.

Michelle Ariago maintained an impressive economy rate of 2.00 and claimed two wickets in the fourth over, dismissing Rahma Yahaya leg before wicket before Lightness Eluid was caught by Asha Mukite.

Ariago was also involved in Tanzania’s early collapse, with Mary Namiiro running out Suamu Hussein.

Shadia Gilingish Nabulime and Ariago then combined to run out Daniela Nzela, leaving Tanzania four wickets down inside the opening four overs.

Rashida Tikabulwa and Irene Mutonyi had earlier combined to run out Rebecca Martin during the first over, as Uganda immediately put pressure on the hosts.

Sarah Tino, who claimed five wickets against Nigeria, continued her impressive form with two more wickets. She bowled Mwanaidi Athuman for seven runs off 18 balls, with the Tanzanian batter having provided some resistance, before dismissing Joan Jackson for nine off 16 balls. Tanzania captain Jimia Muhammad Abdallah took the catch.

Sheilah Namagoba also claimed two wickets, dismissing Amina Kombo leg before wicket before bowling Dorice Helment to bring Tanzania’s innings to an end.

Mariam Birabwa claimed the other wicket, with Sabrina Salim caught by Tino.

Uganda’s chase, however, got off to a shaky start.

Chasing 42 runs for victory, the Baby Victoria Pearls lost five wickets by the end of the fifth over.

Nabulime, who was promoted up the batting order to partner captain Jimia, was the first wicket to fall. Sheilah Namagoba and Mary Namiiro were also dismissed in the opening over, while Sarah Tino fell in the fourth over.

Helment was Tanzania’s best bowler with three wickets, while Maria Justine Massawe claimed one. Sabrina Salim and Suamu Hussein also combined to run out Namiiro.

With Uganda in danger of throwing away a comfortable position, Joan Ilora and Irene Mutonyi steadied the innings and guided the team over the line.

The pair combined for an unbeaten partnership that took Uganda to 42 for five in 9.1 overs, with the target reached after just 31 balls of their partnership.

The victory keeps Uganda’s hopes of reaching the semifinals alive, but they must beat Malawi on Wednesday, September 2, in their final group match. They will also need Nigeria to defeat Tanzania in the other decisive Group A encounter.

The winner of the Africa Division One Qualifiers will advance to the 2027 ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal.

The qualifiers feature two groups. Zimbabwe currently lead Group B after victories over Kenya and Rwanda, with both Kenya and Rwanda having recorded wins over Namibia.

In Group A, Nigeria lead the standings with victories over Uganda and Malawi, while Tanzania have also defeated Malawi.