Uganda won the toss and elected to field thereby sending Nigeria to bat first in this tournament. Captain Blessing Etim lost her wicket off the first ball in the second over which allowed Uganda to grow in confidence and soon after, Omonye Asika was gone and Nigeria, just like other matches had to go the harder route. Esther Sandy and Favour Esiegbe brought some stability but just as the team was beginning to look good another wicket was lost, leaving Nigeria on 45 runs after 10 overs.
Just like every other match, someone would step up to deliver the goods for Nigeria and today, it was Esther Sandy with an impressive half century of 52 runs off 39 balls and a strike rate of 133.3, partnered by the ever dependable Lucky Piety with massive contribution of 27 runs off 37 balls under immense pressure.
Nigeria finished with 100 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs.
Evelyn Ayimpo of Uganda got 2 wickets, conceding 14 runs in 4 overs as the best bowling contribution for her team.
Nigeria began the second innings with a maiden over from Rachael Samson to send indications that Uganda will have to work hard in their run chase. Nigeria was in control for most of the proceedings but the relentless efforts and experience of Kevin Awino who scored 22 off 45 runs, Stephanie Nampiina 20 runs off 22 balls and a late surge from immaculate Nakisuyi who scored 31 off 20 balls was enough to see Uganda across the line to ensure they maintain their expectations and 100% record in this tournament thus far.
Esiegbe Favour got 2 wickets conceding 19 runs in 4 overs as the best bowling statistics for Nigeria.
Uganda eventually finished quite comfortably with 101 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 18.2 overs
Stephanie Nampiina was named player of the match
*Uganda won by 5 wickets.*
The results so far are very good indications of how well the Nigeria Women’s Team has improved over the last 365 days in bowling and batting with a more matured approach and sense of game management.