Uganda delivered one of their most spirited performances of the tournament in Bangkok, defending a modest total with remarkable poise to clinch a thrilling four-run victory over Papua New Guinea. In a match that swung back and forth with every over, the Victoria Pearls showed exceptional character, refusing to be overwhelmed even when the momentum tilted toward their opponents. Their bowlers executed with discipline, their fielders backed them with intensity, and the team collectively embraced the pressure that often defines tight T20 contests. Every dot ball, every well-judged catch, and every clever change of pace contributed to building an atmosphere where PNG were constantly forced to fight for every run.
The backbone of Uganda’s triumph came from their captain, Janet Mbabazi, who produced an innings of both craft and courage. Walking in when stability was desperately needed, she anchored the innings with an unbeaten 60 from 58 deliveries, showcasing impeccable shot selection and unwavering calm. Her five boundaries and a towering six were not just scoring shots, they were momentum shifters that rescued Uganda from a precarious start and transformed the innings into something defendable. Mbabazi’s innings was a masterclass in responsible T20 batting, balancing steady accumulation with timely aggression to keep the scoreboard moving even when wickets tumbled around her.
Her influence extended beyond the bat. As the game tightened and PNG edged closer in the chase, Mbabazi’s leadership became the heartbeat of Uganda’s defense. She marshaled her bowlers with clarity, rotated her fielders intelligently, and reinforced belief when nerves could easily have crept in. The bowlers responded brilliantly, delivering yorkers under pressure, hitting their lengths with purpose, and refusing to offer the release shots PNG desperately sought. Uganda’s fielders matched that energy, cutting off angles, saving boundaries, and turning half-chances into game-changing moments.
By the final over, the tension was at its peak, with Papua New Guinea still in the hunt but Uganda unyielding. Every ball felt decisive, and the Victoria Pearls held their nerve until the last, sealing a dramatic four-run win that captured the true essence of competitive T20 cricket. It was a victory built on heart, resilience, and the unshakable will to fight for every inch, a performance that not only earned Uganda the points, but also cemented their reputation as one of the rising forces in the tournament.