The Hosts Against the Visitors Who Have Been Here Before — Uganda and USA Close the First Round

Uganda, the Victoria Pearls, play Namibia on Friday and Rwanda on Saturday. USA play Rwanda on Friday and Namibia on Saturday. That makes this the third game in three days for both sides, and on paper it is the strongest pairing of the first round. Uganda, led in their April home tournament by Janet Mbabazi, know Entebbe better than anyone and build their game around spin and sharp fielding. USA, led in the Easter Women's T20 Cup at this ground in April by Aditiba Chudasama, have recent experience here too, which takes away some of the home advantage.

The series runs until November 14, so nothing is decided on Sunday. But the side that wins here may go into the second round as the team to beat.

The afternoon start means the pitch will have been used in the morning game and may have dried out, which should bring the spinners into it. That would suit Uganda. The outfield usually gets quicker as the day warms up, so a total of around 120 to 130 might be competitive here.

Full squads have not been published, and after two games in two days, both sides could make changes. The XIs are best treated as unknown until the toss.

Uganda look like slight favourites, with home conditions, a crowd behind them and a style of play that suits an afternoon pitch. USA have the experience of this ground and the kind of squad that does not get overawed. If Uganda bat first and their spinners get to work on a dry surface, they might just be too strong. If USA get a good start in the powerplay, this could be a very close finish.

Uganda Women vs United States Women, Women's Victoria T20 Series 2026, Entebbe Cricket Oval — Sunday, November 8, 2:00 PM EAT / 4:30 PM IST.