Day 3 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Division One Qualifier witnessed another thrilling set of encounters as teams continued to assert their dominance in the group stages. Tanzania Women held their nerve to edge past Rwanda Women by 18 runs in a closely fought Group B contest, while Namibia Women showcased sheer batting brilliance to seal a commanding 152-run win over Sierra Leone Women in Group A. Uganda Women strengthened their position in Group B with an authoritative 8-wicket victory against Kenya Women, and Zimbabwe Women underlined their title credentials with a clinical 10-wicket thrashing of Nigeria Women in Group A.
Match 9: Group B: Tanzania Women vs Rwanda Women
Tanzania Women continued their impressive run in the tournament with an 18-run victory over Rwanda Women.
Batting first, Tanzania faced an early setback as openers Saum Mtae (1) and Neema Pius (7) fell cheaply. However, skipper Fatuma Kibasu steadied the innings with a composed 44 off 58 balls, before Hudaa Omary took charge in the middle overs. Omary’s unbeaten 54 off 46 deliveries proved pivotal, guiding Tanzania to a competitive total of 123/4. Interestingly, all four dismissals in the innings came via runouts, underlining Rwanda’s sharp fielding effort.
In reply, Rwanda struggled to build momentum after losing captain Marie Bimenyimana (3) and Clarisse Uwase (0) early in the chase. Shakila Niyomuhoza (31 off 26) and Alice Ikuzwe (21 off 30) fought hard in the middle order, while Flora Irakoze (14*) and Sylvia Usabyimana (15) provided some late resistance. Despite their efforts, Rwanda could only muster 105/8 at the end of 20 overs.
Tanzania’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, led by Nasra Saidi’s impressive 3/26. Pierce Kamunya chipped in with 2/21, while Sheila Kizito, Mwanamvua Ushanga, and Agnes Qwele picked up a wicket apiece to seal the win.
Match 10: Group A: Namibia Women vs Sierra Leone Women
Namibia Women produced a commanding all-round display to register a massive 152-run win over Sierra Leone Women.
Batting first, Namibia’s top order put on a show of power-hitting. Captain Sune Wittmann led from the front with a blistering 78 off just 35 balls at a strike rate of 222.85. After her dismissal, Kayleen Green (86* off 57) and Yasmeen Khan (56* off 28, SR 200) combined for an unbeaten partnership that propelled Namibia to a mammoth 228/1. Sierra Leone’s only breakthrough came through Celina Bull, who dismissed Wittmann.
Chasing 229, Sierra Leone never found momentum as wickets kept tumbling. Opener Fatu Conteh managed 12, while skipper Aminata Kamara fell for a duck. In the middle order, Emma Kamara (24) and Marie Turay (11) showed some resistance, but the rest of the batting lineup crumbled to single digits, bowled out for just 76 in 19.5 overs. Namibia’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Saima Tuhadeleni starred with 3/12, while Kayleen Green (2/8) and Wilka Mwatile (2/13) provided strong support to wrap up a dominant performance.
Match 11: Group B: Kenya Women vs Uganda Women
Uganda Women extended their dominance in Group B with a convincing 8-wicket win over Kenya Women
Batting first, Kenya struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Ugandan attack. Opener Mary Mwangi contributed 12, while Esther Wachira steadied the innings with 25 off 28. Captain Melvin Khagoitsa was dismissed for just 7, but Venasa Ooko provided the backbone of the innings with a fighting 41* off 32 balls. A late 10 from Lavendah Idambo helped Kenya post 107/8. Uganda’s bowlers kept things tight, led by skipper Concy Aweko (2/12), alongside Malisa Ariokot (1/1) and Immaculate Nakisuuyi (1/26).
In reply, Uganda made light work of the chase. Captain Janet Mbabazi led from the front with a superb unbeaten 63*, anchoring the innings with authority. Esther Iloku chipped in with 15, while Rita Musamali added an unbeaten 21 to seal the win at 108/2 in 15.4 overs. Kenya’s only breakthroughs came through Melvin Khagoitsa (1/22) and Judith Ajiambo (1/23). With this comprehensive victory, Uganda showcased their depth and composure, strengthening their position in the group stage.
Match 12: Group A: Nigeria Women vs Zimbabwe Women
Zimbabwe Women cruised to a dominant 10-wicket victory over Nigeria Women, showcasing their bowling strength and batting composure.
Batting first, Nigeria endured a tough outing as their top order collapsed early, with Lucky Piety (0) and Muhibat Amusa (0) falling without scoring. Victory Igbinedion (10) and Omosigho Eguakun (11) provided brief resistance before Sarah Etim held the innings together with a fighting 25. Contributions from Oseyande Omonkhobhio (16) and skipper Peculiar Agboya (12) pushed Nigeria to 90 all out in 19.5 overs.
Zimbabwe’s bowling was spearheaded by Josephine Nkomo, who delivered a sensational spell of 5/6. She was well-supported by Nomvelo Sibanda (1/7), Francisca Chipare (1/15), Nyasha Gwanzura (1/21), and Loreen Tshuma (1/26).
Chasing 91, Zimbabwe were clinical and untroubled. Openers Modester Mupachikwa (36* off 40) and Kelis Ndhlovu (44* off 46) sealed the chase with an unbroken 93-run stand, reaching the target in just 14.2 overs without losing a wicket.
