The Zimbabwe Under-19 Women’s cricket team are a match away from qualifying for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for Malaysia next year after beating Uganda by 75 runs in the semifinal at Gahanga International Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda yesterday.
Zimbabwe won the toss opted to bat first and managed to score a total of 137 runs for the loss off seven wickets in an innings powered by Lorraine Pemhiwa’s unbeaten 35, player-of-the-match Beloved Biza’s 30 and Runyararo Pasipanodya 25.
The team captain Kelis Ndhlovu could only contribute 19 runs with the bat
Uganda bowlers Irene Mutoyi, Patricia Timong and Asumin Akurut took two wickets apiece as Zimbabwe posted an imposing total by the competition’s standards so far.
And in the run chase Uganda lost their first wicket in the first over and their second in the fourth which dented their chances of winning the game.
Rain briefly stopped play after nine overs with Zimbabwe well in charge as Uganda were struggling at 23/4. With six overs remaining in the match, Uganda were five wickets down for 47 runs needing 92 runs from 36 balls and inside 15.4 overs they had lost two wickets more and were reeling on 55/7.
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Uganda were eventually bowled out for 63 runs with four balls to spare, Immaculate Nandera and Jane Amongin top scoring with 25 and 14 runs respectively.
Zimbabwe Pasipanodya picked two wickets in two balls for no score with Olinder Chare, Biza and Kudzai Chigora all taking two wickets each as well.
In the second semifinal, Nigeria beat hosts Rwanda by 62 runs to set up a scintillating final against Zimbabwe scheduled for Gahanga this afternoon.
Zimbabwe U-19 Squad: Kelis Ndhlovu (C), Christina Mutasa, Passionate Munorwei, Beloved Biza, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Tawananyasha Marumani, Lorraine Pemhiwa, Kudzai Chigora, Chipo Moyo, Olinda Chare, Mellinda Kachingwe (Wk)