The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division One Qualifier witnessed an action-packed set of clashes, with teams showcasing dominance, grit, and all-round brilliance. From Zimbabwe’s ruthless 10-wicket triumph to Tanzania’s hard-fought win, Namibia’s composed chase, and Uganda’s clinical finish, the tournament’s latest fixtures highlighted the growing competitiveness and flair of African women’s cricket.
Match 5: Group A: Sierra Leone Women vs Zimbabwe Women
Zimbabwe Women cruised to a dominant 10-wicket victory after a clinical display with both ball and bat.
Batting first, Sierra Leone Women were restricted to just 93 runs. The batting unit crumbled under pressure as wickets fell in clusters. Opener Emma Kamara (9) and Fatu Conteh (0) fell early, leaving the side on the back foot. Only Celina Bull (26) showed some resistance, while contributions from Marie Turay (7), Linda Bull (6), and skipper Aminata Kamara (1) could not take the team past the three-figure mark.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers were sharp and disciplined throughout. Josephine Nkomo (3/27) led the charge with her variations, while Nyasha Gwanzura (2/14) provided crucial breakthroughs. Loreen Tshuma (1/10), Francisca Chipare (1/14), and Lindokuhle Mabhero (1/17) chipped in to ensure no Sierra Leone batter could settle in.
Chasing a modest target, Zimbabwe’s openers made light work of the task. Modester Mupachikwa played a fluent knock, bringing up her half-century with an unbeaten 51* off 40 balls, while her partner Kelis Ndhlovu supported brilliantly with 39* off 32 deliveries. Together, they sealed the chase in style, without losing a wicket.
Match 6: Group B: Tanzania Women vs Kenya Women
Tanzania Women registered a solid 30-run victory over Kenya Women- a collective effort with both bat and ball.
Batting first, Tanzania put up 125/8 on the board. Saum Mtae provided early momentum with a brisk 30 off 19, while Neema Pius (24 off 27) gave steady support. In the middle overs, Hudaa Omary (24 off 22) and Nasra Mohamedi (26 off 29) stitched crucial runs to keep the innings on track. Kenya’s bowling was spearheaded by Melvin Khagoitsa, who delivered a sensational spell of 5/13, well backed by Esther Wachira (2/25).
Chasing 126, Kenya’s top order faltered early as skipper Queentor Abel (5) and opener Monicah Ndhambi (3) departed cheaply. Though Veronica Abuga (17 off 14), Josephine Abwom (12), and Lavendah Idambo (18) tried to steady the innings, Kenya struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 95 in 19.5 overs.
Tanzania’s bowlers executed their plans superbly. Agnes Qwele (3/10) was outstanding, while Saum Borakambi (2/17) applied pressure in the middle overs. Nasra Saidi, Mwanamvua Ushanga, and Sophia Jerome chipped in with a wicket each, sealing the game for Tanzania.
Match 7: Group A: Nigeria Women Vs Namibia Women
Namibia Women continued their strong run with a commanding 8-wicket victory over Nigeria Women in a low-scoring encounter.
Batting first, Nigeria struggled to find momentum and were bowled out for just 70 runs in 18.4 overs. Openers Lucky Piety (3) and Muhibat Amusa (12) fell early, leaving the middle-order under pressure. Salome Sunday (22 off 28) provided some resistance, while Oseyande Omonkhobhio (14) and Sarah Etim (11) offered late contributions. However, regular wickets kept Nigeria on the back foot throughout.
Namibia’s bowlers were relentless. Saima Tuhadeleni (3/13) led the attack with precision, well supported by Kayleen Green (2/10) and Mekelaye Mwatile (2/16), who dismantled Nigeria’s batting lineup.
In reply, Namibia had a shaky start as captain Sune Wittmann fell for a duck. But the chase was soon steadied by Kayleen Green (15), before Yasmeen Khan stole the show with a blistering 51* off 30 balls. Her dominant innings ensured Namibia reached the target in just 9.5 overs at 71/2, sealing a comfortable win. For Nigeria, Muhibat Amusa and Lillian Udeh claimed a wicket each, but the total was too small to defend.
Match 8: Group B: Rwanda Women vs Uganda Women
Uganda Women maintained their winning momentum with a comfortable 8-wicket victory over Rwanda Women, chasing down the target with ease.
Batting first, Rwanda were bowled out for 114 in 19.5 overs. The innings never really settled after early dismissals of skipper Marie Bimenyimana (4) and Merveille Uwase (5). However, Gisele Ishimwe (41 off 33) and Henriette Ishimwe (36 off 31) put together a crucial partnership to lift their side. The rest of the batting lineup faltered, contributing only in single digits as Rwanda failed to build around the Ishimwe duo.
Uganda’s bowlers shared the spoils in a disciplined effort. Irene Mutoni (2/18), Immaculate Nakisuuyi (2/20), Concy Aweko (2/21), Janet Mbabazi (2/22), and Sarah Akiteng (2/23) each struck twice, ensuring wickets fell at regular intervals.
In response, Uganda chased the target with composure, finishing at 116/2 in 16.3 overs. Skipper Janet Mbabazi (17) and Esther Iloku (4) departed early, but the chase was steadied by an unbeaten partnership. Immaculate Nakisuuyi (43*) anchored the innings, while Rita Musamali (47*) played fluently alongside her to seal victory without further hiccups. For Rwanda, only Rosine Irera and Marie Bimenyimana managed a wicket apiece.
