Namibia A edge Uganda by two runs in nail-biting Pearl of Africa T20 opener

Pearl of Africa T20 series
Results
Namibia A 146/6 in 20 overs 
Uganda A 143/5 in 20 overs
Namibia won by 2 runs

Namibia A edged Uganda A by just two runs in the opening match of the Pearl of Africa T20 Series held Thursday morning at Entebbe Oval.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Namibia posted a competitive total of 146/6.

Their opening duo, Zacheo Jansen Van Vuuren (43) and Jan Balt (48), provided a fiery start that laid the foundation for their innings. Though Uganda A managed to dismiss both, Namibia’s depth saw them close the innings with eight wickets in hand.

Uganda responded with intent. The opening pair of Simon Ssesazi and 19-year-old Anas Baig looked sharp, with Baig scoring a quick 21 off 19 balls. Ssesazi anchored the chase with a brilliant 66, but was dismissed with just over an over remaining.

Captain Pascal Murungi’s 38 off 26 balls injected momentum into the innings, but his dismissal while attempting an extra run left Uganda short. Fred Acelam, brought in for Ssesazi, was trapped lbw by Max Heingo in the final over, capping Namibia’s win.

“It’s hard to pinpoint where we lost it. Both sides executed well, but I think they fielded better. We gave away some doubles, and in the end, lost by just two despite batting brilliantly,” said Murungi, who was also involved in the late runout of Steve Wabwose.

He expressed regret over the runout but refused to fault anyone, highlighting that the match came down to fine margins—a reminder of the potential within Uganda’s second team.