Uganda's She Cranes played a great game, beating Zimbabwe's Gems 60-38 in their second Africa Netball Cup match.

After a tied first quarter, the She Cranes took charge and won their second game in a row in Lilongwe, Malawi.

The first quarter was close, ending 12-12, which hinted at a tough match. But Uganda quickly turned things around and controlled the next three quarters.

After narrowly defeating Kenya 46-45 in their first game, the She Cranes began the second quarter by scoring off an early turnover to take a two-goal lead. They kept the pressure on the Gems, forcing three turnovers in four minutes, but Zimbabwe managed to stay close.

As halftime approached, defenders Gloria Aya and Shaffie Nalwanja made important intercepts, helping Uganda increase their lead to 26-20 at the half.

In the third quarter, Uganda really found their groove. The defence, with Shaffie, Aya, and Kadondi, was tough, causing many turnovers as Zimbabwe struggled with Uganda’s intensity. Lillian Achola's entry at wing attack brought speed and accuracy to the shooters, and the Gems had no answers.

Goal shooter Shadia Nassanga's accurate shots helped Uganda increase their lead, outscoring Zimbabwe by a large margin and entering the final quarter ahead 45-26.

In the final quarter, the She Cranes kept up their strong defence and smooth play. The Gems seemed overwhelmed and made more mistakes. Uganda could have won by an even bigger difference, but a slight lack of focus on offence in the last five minutes caused them to lose three centre passes. Even so, Nakitto's fresh energy on defence made sure Zimbabwe never caught up.

Uganda easily secured a 59-38 win, their second in two games.

The She Cranes will now rest before playing Namibia on Thursday to finish their group games.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, plays Zimbabwe tomorrow after beating Botswana 40-39 earlier today in their first match.

Day Four of the MAXX T20 Challenge Cup had plenty of drama, both because of the rain and the tough competition.

The Gladiators, who haven't lost a game yet, really stood out. Aziz Abdul Tandia bowled amazingly, getting 5 wickets for just 4 runs against the Strikers. Then, Paul Mulongo played a smart innings, leading his team to a win.

Before that, the Royals and the Blasters had a game messed up by rain. Still, the Royals managed to win. It showed that being able to adjust when things get difficult is just as important as playing great individually.

Blasters vs. Royals – Morning Game

Toss: Blasters chose to bat first.

Blasters: 116/5 in 17 overs (game shortened by rain)

Royals: 91/5 in 10.5 overs (Duckworth-Lewis method)

Result: Royals won by 5 wickets (D/L)

A bit of rain in the morning made the game shorter, only 18 overs per side. Then, more rain during the first innings cut it down to 17 overs. The Royals then had to chase a revised target in just 12 overs, using the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Jonathan Ssebanja played really well for the Blasters, scoring 43 not out off 28 balls.

Anas Baig helped out with 37 off 30, pushing the team to 116/5 in 17 overs. Mathew Musinguzi (3/17) and Yashashvi Joshi (2/19) bowled well.

The Royals needed 91 runs from 12 overs because of the rain rule, and they started strong.

Simon Ssesazi hit 48 off 34 (with 5 fours and 1 six), and Abraiz Mir Ali added 26 off 20.

They made a 42-run partnership off 27 balls.

Ali Balidawa gave away 16 runs in the eighth over, which was a turning point. The Royals then only needed 16 runs from 24 balls.

The Royals missed a few catches, but Peter Ochen finally caught one, stopping Ssesazi from getting to fifty by just two runs.

The Royals reached the target in 10.5 overs at 91/5, winning by five wickets (D/L).

Player of the Match: Mathew Musinguzi

 3/16 in 4 overs

Strikers vs Gladiators – Afternoon Game

 Toss: Gladiators chose to bowl first

Strikers: 82 all out in 14 overs

Gladiators: 83/6 in 14.1 overs

Result: Gladiators won by 4 wickets

Rain delayed the Strikers and Gladiators game, so it was reduced to 15 overs per side.

The Gladiators’ choice to bowl first worked great.

Robinson Obuya, the Strikers’ captain for the day, played well with 33 off 25, and Fortunate Alijuna made 25 off 19.

But after their partnership ended, the innings fell apart. The score went from 70/2 to 79/7 by the 13th over.

Edwin Nuwagaba got a wicket on his first ball and only gave away one run in that over.

Aziz Abdul Tandia then bowled incredibly, destroying the Strikers’ middle and lower order and getting them all out for 82 in 14 overs.

The Gladiators had a tough time chasing 83, falling to 31/5 because of good bowling from Sowobi and Munigwa.

Paul Mulongo played a key role with 39 off 28, supported by Edwin Nuwagaba (15) and Jonathan Kizza (9*).

With three runs needed in the final over, Mulongo hit a boundary to win the game by four wickets at 83/6 in 14.1 overs.

Player of the Match: Aziz Abdul Tandia

5/4 in 3 overs (1 maiden, econ 1.33)

Tournament Standouts After Four Days

 Most runs: Simon Ssesazi – 184 runs (highest score of the tournament: 90)

Most wickets: Mathew Musinguzi – 8 wickets

Best bowling: Aziz Abdul Tandia – 5/4

In eight games, teams have scored 1,957 runs, taken 118 wickets, hit 129 fours, and smashed 45 sixes.

Highest team score: Blasters – 170/8

Lowest team score: Strikers – 82 all out

Tomorrow, the Warriors play the Titans in the morning, and the Blasters face the Gladiators in the afternoon.

Every team still has a chance to win, and the games have been very exciting. The next matches should be just as thrilling.