Diergaardt five-for helps Namibia edge USA
David GOMBE
Entebbe Cricket Ground hosted another day of international women’s T20 cricket on the second day of the 2026 Victoria Series on Saturday.
In the morning fixture, Namibia pulled off a remarkable turnaround to defend a modest total against the USA, spearheaded by a lethal five-wicket haul from Arrasta Diergaardt.
The afternoon battle saw host nation Uganda show superb composure under pressure, defending 99 to notch a thrilling six-run victory over East African rivals Rwanda.
Diergaardt five-for powers Namibia past USA
Match: Namibia vs. USA – Game 3
Venue: Entebbe Cricket Ground
Toss: USA won the toss and elected to bowl.
Namibia Innings: 116/8 (20 Overs) – Suné Wittmann 44 (44), Mekelaye Mwatile 22 (27), Wilka Mwatile 20 (18); Sainavi Kambalapalli 3/16, Aditiba Indrajitsinh Chudasama 2/22, Jivana Aras 1/22
USA Innings: 108/9 (20 Overs) – Sainavi Kambalapalli 33 (45), Nikhar Doshi 19 (18), Chetna Reddy Pagydyala 16 (21); Arrasta Diergaardt 5/21, Sylvia Shihepo 2/17, Victoria Hamunyela 1/19
Result: Namibia won by 8 runs
Winning the toss and sending Namibia in to bat, the USA restricted the opposition to 116/8 in 20 overs.
Namibian skipper Suné Wittmann anchored the top order with a steady 44 off 44 balls, while Mekelaye Mwatile chipped in with 22. USA’s Sainavi Kambalapalli proved to be the pick of the bowlers, snaring 3/16 in her 4-over allotment.
In response, the USA appeared comfortably placed in their run chase, with Sainavi Kambalapalli contributing 33 runs alongside useful knocks from Nikhar Doshi (19) and Chetna Reddy Pagydyala (16).
However, Player of the Match Arrasta Diergaardt produced a match-defining performance with the ball.
Diergaardt destroyed the American batting order, registering spectacular figures of 5/21 in 4 overs to stifle the chase and hand Namibia an eight-run victory.