Zimbabwe High Performance Women Fall Short in Narrow Defeat to Uganda at Kwibuka T20I 2025

Zimbabwe High Performance Centre (HPC) Women suffered a narrow four-run defeat at the hands of Uganda in their second match of the ongoing Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament 2025 in Rwanda. The closely contested fixture, played on Thursday morning, saw Zimbabwe narrowly miss out on back-to-back wins after their six-run victory in the tournament opener on Tuesday.

Having won the toss, Zimbabwe opted to bowl first and quickly made an impact with an early breakthrough. Passionate Munorwei struck with the first ball of the third over, dismissing Illoku Esther for just one run, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling performance. Christabel Chatonzwa then made a significant contribution in the 10th over, taking two crucial wickets by bowling out Janet Mabaza and Immaculate Nakisuyi.

Zimbabwe kept the pressure on, claiming two more wickets in the second half of the innings. Uganda’s fourth wicket fell in the 11th over after Rita Musamali was run out, while Chatonzwa returned in the 17th over to dismiss Proscovia Alako, her second wicket of the day. Uganda, however, managed to stabilise and posted a competitive total of 105 runs in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, Zimbabwe began their chase with promising intent, reaching 37 runs before a double blow from Uganda’s Consylate AwekoNimungu disrupted their momentum. Chatonzwa was trapped leg before wicket (lbw), followed by the dismissal of Natasha Mutomba, who was bowled out on the last ball of the sixth over.

Zimbabwe continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with two more falling before the 10th over. Despite efforts to rebuild, the side suffered five additional dismissals in the last ten overs. Uganda’s disciplined bowling and tight fielding in the final stretch ensured Zimbabwe fell short by just four runs in a match that could have gone either way.

The Zimbabwe HPC Women’s team will now be looking to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture in the tournament. With both positives and lessons to take from the narrow loss, the team remains in contention and focused on their overall campaign in Rwanda.