Uganda’s Baby Victoria Pearls have been left with little margin for error in the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifiers after Nigeria secured a four-wicket victory in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Chasing 60 for victory, Nigeria reached 60/6 in just 13.1 overs to condemn Uganda to a disappointing opening-day defeat in Group A.
Uganda struggled to establish any real momentum after being sent in to bat, finishing their 20 overs on 59/7.
Shadia Gilingish Nabulime was Uganda’s leading scorer, making 22 from 34 deliveries, including two boundaries.
She was eventually caught by Peace Usen off Nigeria captain Christabel Chukwuonye in the 18th over.
Nabulime had entered the contest at the end of the fifth over as Uganda’s third batter, following the departure of captain Jamia Muhammad Abdallah.
Abdallah contributed 13 from 25 balls before she was caught by Shola Adekunle. She later played an important role with the ball as Uganda’s second-best bowler.
Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack kept Uganda under sustained pressure. Chisom Okpe was particularly impressive, returning figures of 2/4 from her four overs at an exceptional economy rate of 1.00.
Anointed Akhigbe, Adekunle and Usen also claimed wickets.
Uganda showed early promise in defence, breaking Nigeria’s opening stand in the fourth over.
Sarah Tino dismissed Beauty Oguai for the first Nigerian wicket, with Abdallah completing the catch after 3.2 overs.
But Nigeria steadily took control of the chase. Chukwuonye struck 13 from just 10 balls before Tino bowled her in the sixth over, helping the visitors build a platform for victory.
Omosigho Eguakun then provided the stability Nigeria needed, top-scoring with 24 from 29 balls.
Inyene Umoh and Usen saw Nigeria over the line, both finishing unbeaten on six.
Tino was Uganda’s standout performer with the ball, claiming 5/20 from four overs, while Mariam Birabwa added one wicket for 11 runs from three overs.
The result puts Uganda under immediate pressure ahead of Monday’s clash with hosts Tanzania.
The Baby Victoria Pearls must win the Group A encounter on August 31 to keep their qualification hopes alive for the 2027 ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal.
