By 
From today September 22 to 29, 2024, Kigali, Rwanda, will host the final leg of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Qualifier, featuring eight of Africa’s top cricketing nations vying for a coveted spot in the 2025 World Cup in Malaysia.
The tournament will take place at Gahanga and IPRC Cricket Grounds, where teams are split into two groups.
Group A consists of Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, and Uganda, while Group B includes Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Each group’s top two teams will advance to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for September 29 at Gahanga Cricket Ground.
This year’s qualifiers are crucial as only one team will earn the chance to compete among the world’s best in Malaysia.
Fourteen teams have already secured their places in the World Cup, including ten full-member teams from the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, such as Australia, England, and India.
Malaysia, Samoa, Scotland, and the USA have also qualified through regional pathways.
Looking ahead, another round of qualifications will occur in November 2024, where Kuwait, Nepal, Thailand, and the host UAE will battle for the final slot in a double round-robin format.
Stephen Musaale, President of the Rwanda Cricket Association, expressed pride in hosting this prestigious event, highlighting its potential to inspire the next generation of cricketers in the country.
“Cricket is one of the fastest-growing sports in Rwanda, and we believe that hosting these qualifiers will further accelerate this momentum,” he said.
Rwanda’s cricket journey has already seen significant achievements; in 2022, the team made headlines by defeating Uganda to secure their spot in the inaugural tournament in South Africa.
The upcoming qualifiers present a new opportunity for African teams to shine on the international stage and elevate the profile of women’s cricket across the continent.
Fans can follow the action closely as the competition unfolds, with hopes high for an exciting week of cricket in Kigali.
PARTCIPATING SQUADS
Rwanda
Shakila Niyomuhoza (Captain), Fanny Utagushimaninde, Liliane Ufitinema, Rosette
Shimwamana, Sandrine Izabayo, Chanceline Umutoni, Grace Mugwaneza, Uwase
Niyorukundo, Sonia Umuringa, Devota Uwizeye, Anifa Mukamusoni, Ruth Uwimana, Nadine
Nzayituriki, Nasira Umukundwa
Zimbabwe
Kelis T. Ndhlovu (Captain), Christina Mutasa, Lorraine Pemhiwa, Runyararo Pasipanodya,
Passionate Munorwei, Kudzai K. Chigora, Buhlebenkosi Maposa, Chipo Moyo, Olinder
Chare, Melinda Kachingwe, Beloved Biza, Diveniah Ndhlalambi, Valour Tawananyasha,
Nokutenda Makanhiwa
Tanzania
Jenipher G. Kimaro (Captain), Agnes Joseph Qwele, Athumani M. Mwanaidi, Saumu Deo
Hussein, Rebeka M. Ezekiel, Lightness E. Elisha, Maria L. Massawe, Joan J. Elisha,
Adolphina J. Sylvester, Englind G. Omurama, Josephine U. Shirima, Farid A. Kinyumbi,
Rahima Y. Kibwana, ZakiaAlly Bewe
Uganda
Jimia A. Muhamed (Captian), Malisa Ariokot, Lona Anyaita, Patricia Fiona Timong,
Mischelle Ariago, Immaculate Nandera, Asumin Akurut, Jane Naume Amongin, Barbra
Nanyanzi, Agnes Nakakande, Shadia G. Nabulime, Rashidah Tikabula, Irene Mutonyi, Mary
Patricia Apolot
Nigeria
Piety E. Lucky (Captain), Peculiar E. Agboya, Shola J. Adekunle, Christabel Nmesoma,
Peace Usen, Lilian M. Ude, Naomi O. Memeh, Victory O.Igbinedion, Anointed O. Akhigbe,
Kehinde M. Amusa, Omosigho P. Eguakun, Inyene Ubong, Deborah Bassey, Beauty Ehimen
Oguai
Namibia
Engela E. Van Der Merwe (Captain), Alice Cleopatra E.K, Keira Lesch, Keira Schoeman,
Sela Tuuva Shiimi, , Thomas S. Namutenya, Veronika P. Tobias, Rianie Esterhuyzen,
Monique Laas, Sonja Jane Siepker, Mekelaye N. Mwatile, Hileni Panduleni David, Leigh-
Marie Visser, Unombuiro K. Kaanjosa
Malawi
Ketrina M. Chingaipe (Captain), Alinafe Alfonso, Febbe Malefula, Lucy Malino, Angela
Lumbe, Mercy Kudimba, Lucy Bigula, Euless Chilarile, Sophina Chinawa, Faith Khofi,
Christina Bwanali, Frolance Nkhoma, Evah Kabwere, Esther Richard
Kenya
Melvin Khagoitsa (Captain), Janet Nthenya, Zainabu Hamisi, Kreeshna Mehta, Roshele
Atamba, Nezarine Oluoch, Awe Wambua, Tania Atieno, Mary Atieno, Stella Rodgers, Ayaana
Gupta, Marion Jacinta Agoi, Rael Kaibunga, Miriam Idagiza
MATCH SCHEDULE:
Sunday, September 22:
9.30am – Kenya Vs Rwanda at Gahanga 2
9.30am – Malawi Vs Zimbabwe at IPRC
1.50pm – Namibia Vs Uganda at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Tanzania Vs Nigeria at IPRC
Monday, September 23:
9.30am – Tanzania Vs Malawi at Gahanga 2
9.30am – Uganda Vs Kenya at IPRC
1.50pm – Nigeria Vs Zimbabwe at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Rwanda Vs Namibia at IPRC
Tuesday, September 24: Rest Day
Wednesday, September 25:
9.30am – Nigeria Vs Malawi at Gahanga 2
9.30am – Kenya Vs Namibia at IPRC
1.50pm – Zimbabwe Vs Tanzania at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Rwanda Vs Uganda at IPRC
Thursday, September 26:
1.50pm – 5th & 6th Place at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – 7th & 8th Place at IPRC
Friday, September 27: Rest day
Saturday, September 28:
1.50pm – Semi-Final 1 at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Semi-Final 2 at IPRC
Sunday, September 29:
9.30am – 3rd Place at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – FINAL at Gahanga 2
