Zimbabwe and Uganda women’s cricket teams secured their spots in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier with outstanding performances in the Africa Qualifier.
Uganda and Zimbabwe remained undefeated in the group stage and proceeded to win their respective semi-final clashes against Tanzania and Namibia, earning qualification for the T20 World Cup Qualifier.
During Uganda’s semi-final against Tanzania, Concy Aweko led her team through a challenging phase, with the team struggling at 5/3 in 5 overs after being put to bat. However, Stephani Nampiina (51) and Rita Musamali (35*) lifted the team’s spirits, guiding them to a total of 99/4 in tricky bowling conditions.
While chasing the target, Tanzania appeared comfortable at 53/1 in the 13th over. All-rounder Janet Mbabazi played a crucial role by breaking the partnership between Saum Mtae (35) and Monica Pascal (15). Mbabazi contributed with a runout and later took two more wickets, finishing with figures of 3/14. Musamali claimed three of the last four wickets, concluding with figures of 3/11 (3), securing Uganda’s 10-run victory. Musamali was awarded the Player of the Match for her match-winning performance.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe secured an emphatic 86-run victory over Namibia. Each batter in Zimbabwe’s top four scored over 20 runs, with wicket-keeper Modester Mupachikwa’s 33 driving the team to a total of 150/6. In response, Edelle van Zyl was the only Namibian to surpass 20 runs.
Zimbabwe’s collective bowling effort, led by Precious Marange’s 3/9 (4), Nomvelo Sibanda (2/8 off three overs), and Josephine Nkomo (2/4 off three overs), dismissed Namibia for 64.