The Victoria Pearls expedition of Namibia where they won the Capricorn Eagles Quadrangular Series will forever be engrained onto the minds of especially two Ugandan players.
Not only did Uganda outcompete Namibia, UAE and Hong Kong- the other three competing nations, two of their players- pace bowler Irene Alumo and opening batter Proscovia Alako – were chosen to be part of the FairBreak Invitational tournament, a global showpiece that brings together some of the very best female cricketers.
Fair Break aims to create opportunities through sport, health, business, media, arts and education to empower women, and true to their mission, they have handed these two Ugandans a once in a lifetime opportunity- this owing to the duo’s display in Namibia.
Alako who is Uganda’s opening batter didn’t relish the very best of the tournament, but her display against UAE that saw her knock 85 runs off 55 balls was a reminder of what she can do and a testament to her talent.
“There was nothing really extra ordinary. It was only by utilizing the chances given to me by the coach, to go in to showcase my talent. Just staying in the wicket and getting runs and playing good shots.” Alako said of her performance at the Capricorn Eagles Series.
The two will be the first Ugandans to participate at this annual event, and what an achievement it is for the 20-year-old.
“I feel really great. I first give thanks to the most high. It was one of my dreams; playing with the best across the globe. My dream has finally come true.”
At the Capricorn Eagles Series, Alako with 135 runs finished third in the batting table and seventh in the overall player ranking. Her 85 against UAE was the second most runs a player scored in a single innings. Only Theertha Satish with 93 enjoyed the most. And her 14 fours only trailed Satish’s 31, Kavisha Kumar’s 16 (both from the UAE) and Namibia’s Sunne Wittmann’s 15.
For the sixes, only Hong Kong’s Mariko Hills, Namibia’s Wilka Mwatile and Stephanie Nampiina, each with four beat Alako’s three.
Alumo was ranked third in the bowling table with her 10 wickets, and with an economy of 4.11. Only Kayleen Green (13) and Betty Chan (11) had most.
The FairBreak tourney happens twice annually. It’s first edition this year was held at the Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong between 3 and 6 April.
The second edition that the Ugandans will have an interest in will be held in Houston, Texas in the USA between 15 and 30 September.
