Zimbabwe consolidate their position as table-toppers, beat Uganda by 11 runs

Uganda skipper Consylate Nimungu won the toss and asked Zimbabwe to set a score on the board. Sitting comfortably at the top by virtue of a solid net run rate, Zimbabwe decided to test their bench strength and hence gave rest to skipper Mary-Anne Musonda and their star opener Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano. Zimbabwe lost Modester Mupachikwa in the third over with just 14 runs on the board.

After losing an early wicket, Zimbabwe needed stability and the pair of Kelis Ndlovu and Pellagia Mujaji added 34 runs to provide them with the same. But just when it was looking like the duo was preparing the ground to launch an onslaught, things went pear-shaped for them. They lost Ndlovu in the 11th over and her wicket triggered a batting collapse that saw Zimbabwe fold from 48 for the loss of two wickets to 86 all out in 19.2 overs. Zimbabwe clearly missed Tiripano as they never managed to accelerate their run rate at any stage of their innings.

Janet Mbabazi, who had bagged a four-wicket haul against Zimbabwe in the third match, put up yet another impressive display and grabbed another four-fer. She never allowed the Zimbabwe batters to break free and proved her mettle yet again with the ball. The Zimbabwe batters committed the error of going after her yet again and she took full advantage of their approach.

In pursuit of 87, Uganda needed a good start upfront but that didn't happen as Precious Marange struck in her first over to dismiss Uganda's wicket-keeper batter Kevin Awino with just four runs on the board.

Victoria Pearls also lost a flurry of wickets and were reduced to 30/4 in 13.2 overs. None of the top-order batters managed to get going for them and hence the duo of Phiona Kulume and Evelyn Anyipo had to play in a conservative way to keep their side in the contest.

But when you decide to play defensively in a T20 contest while chasing, changing the gear at the right moment becomes paramount and that's where Aweko's side erred. They didn't switch gears on the right occasion and that's what ultimately cost them the match.

Brief Scores:

Zimbabwe 86 all out in 19.2 overs (Kelis Ndlovu 27; Janet Mbabazi 4/12) beat Uganda 75/7 in 20 overs (Phiona Kulume 17; Anesu Mushangwe 2/8) by 11 runs. POTM: Janet Mbabazi