The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division One Qualifier continued to deliver high-intensity contests as the tournament moved into its decisive stages. Zimbabwe and Namibia emerged as the two finalists with convincing semifinal wins, securing a spot in 2026 Global Qualifier, while Kenya and Rwanda signed off on a positive note with playoff victories.
Semi Final 1: Uganda Women vs Zimbabwe Women
Zimbabwe Women booked their place in the final with a composed five-wicket victory over Uganda Women.
Batting first, Uganda posted 119/7 in their 20 overs. Captain Janet Mbabazi anchored the innings with 29, while Immaculate Nakisuuyi (26) and Rita Musamali (23* off 19) provided valuable runs in the middle and lower order. Contributions from Stephani Nampiina (13) and Prosscovia Alako (10) ensured a competitive total, though the side struggled to find big partnerships. With the ball, Nyasha Gwanzura (2/17) and Lindokuhle Mabhero (2/30) kept Uganda in check, while Nomvelo Sibanda was economical with 1/14 in her four overs.
In reply, Zimbabwe paced their chase smartly. Wicketkeeper Modester Mupachikwa set the tone with 25 off 25, supported by youngster Kelis Ndhlovu (18). Loreen Tshuma and skipper Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano chipped in with 18 and 14 respectively, before Nyasha Gwanzura (17) and Beloved Biza (16*) saw the team home comfortably in 17.4 overs.
Uganda’s captain Janet Mbabazi capped a fine all-round outing with 2/17, while Malisa Ariokot and Nakisuuyi claimed a wicket each, but Zimbabwe’s depth in batting proved decisive.
5th Place Playoff: Kenya Women vs Nigeria Women
Kenya Women held their nerve to edge past Nigeria Women by 7 runs in a closely fought contest, sealing fifth place in the tournament.
Batting first, Kenya posted a modest 105. Opener Queentor Abel set the tone with 23, while Mary Mwangi (14) and Monicah Ndhambi (24) offered useful support. However, the middle order faltered with a string of single-digit scores before Josephine Abwom’s late cameo of 15 gave the innings some stability. For Nigeria, Lucky Piety (2/26) led the way with the ball, while wickets were shared evenly among Usen Peace, Muhibat Amusa, Peculiar Agboya, and Oseyande Omonkhobhio.
In response, Nigeria got off to a promising start. Star batter Lucky Piety struck a brisk 35 off 29, and Victory Igbinedion added 26 to keep the chase alive. But after their dismissals, the innings unraveled quickly. Despite Salome Sunday’s 10, the middle and lower order offered little resistance, and captain Peculiar Agboya fell cheaply for just 3. Nigeria were bowled out for 98 in 18.5 overs, falling agonizingly short of the target.
Kenya’s bowling unit delivered under pressure, with Melvin Khagoitsa producing a match-winning spell of 4/16. Queentor Abel capped off a fine all-round performance with 2/21, while Mary Mwangi, Judith Ajiambo, and Esther Wachira chipped in with a wicket each to ensure Nigeria’s fightback was cut short.
Semi Final 2: Tanzania Women vs Namibia Women
Namibia Women stormed into the final with a dominant 8-wicket win over Tanzania Women, chasing down the target with ease.
Batting first, Tanzania struggled to build momentum and managed only 75/8 in their 20 overs. The top order faltered early as Saum Mtae (4) and Neema Pius (10) fell cheaply. Hudaa Omary offered some resistance with 26, while Nasra Mohamedi chipped in with 10. Skipper Shufaa Mohamedi remained unbeaten on 10 but couldn’t lift the scoring rate. Namibia’s disciplined bowling attack was led by Jurriene Diergaardt (2/9) and Saima Tuhadeleni (2/11), with Eveleen Kejarukua and Sune Wittmann striking once each.
In reply, Namibia chased the modest target in clinical fashion. Although captain Sune Wittmann fell early for 6, the experienced pair of Mekelaye Mwatile (43* off 39) and Kayleen Green (25* off 30) guided their side home comfortably. Namibia reached 77/2 in 13.5 overs, with wickets falling to Agnes Qwele (1/10) and Perice Kamunya (1/17).
5th Place Playoff: Rwanda Women vs Sierra Leone Women
Rwanda Women wrapped up their campaign on a high, securing fifth place with a commanding 50-run victory over Sierra Leone Women.
Opting to bat first, Rwanda posted a strong total of 162/5. Captain Marie Bimenyimana led from the front with 34 off 31, while Clarisse Uwase added 20. The innings gained real momentum through Gisele Ishimwe’s fluent 43 off 39 and Henriette Ishimwe’s 18. In the final overs, Alice Ikuzwe (17*) and Flora Irakoze (17*) provided valuable finishing touches to lift Rwanda past the 160-mark. For Sierra Leone, Linda Bull was the most effective bowler with 2/28, while Emma Kamara (1/30), Celina Bull (1/20) and Aisha Bangura (1/26) chipped in with a wicket each.
In the chase, Sierra Leone never quite found their rhythm. Openers Fatu Conteh and captain Aminata Kamara both got starts with 17 apiece, but wickets fell regularly around them. Celina Bull fought hard with an unbeaten 41 but lacked support from the other end as the rest of the batting order managed only single-digit scores. They eventually closed on 112/6 in their 20 overs, falling well short.
Rwanda’s bowlers executed their plans with discipline. Sylvia Usabyimana (1/11), Rosette Shimwamana (1/11), Henriette Ishimwe (1/21) and Rosine Irera (1/22) all struck at key intervals to keep Sierra Leone in check.
