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Uganda’s Baby Victoria Pearls will face a familiar opponent when they take on unbeaten Zimbabwe U19 in the semifinal of the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
The semifinal brings back memories of the 2024 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Kigali, Rwanda, where Uganda also faced Zimbabwe at the same stage.
Zimbabwe won that encounter by 75 runs, leaving the Baby Victoria Pearls with unfinished business ahead of Thursday’s crucial showdown.
Uganda booked their place in the semifinals with a dominant 10-wicket victory over Malawi U19 in their final Group A match.
Wicket Celebration: The Baby Victoria Pearls celebrate after claiming a wicket in their final group-stage game against Malawi U19
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Uganda initially faced some resistance as Malawi reached 23 without loss after three overs.
The Baby Victoria Pearls, however, quickly took control, dismissing Malawi for just 44 runs in 16 overs.
Sarah Tino spearheaded the bowling attack with an impressive 3/17 as Uganda’s spinners kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
The chase was equally emphatic, with Shadiah Glilingish Nambulime producing an unbeaten 30 off 21 balls as Uganda raced to the target in only 7.3 overs without losing a wicket.
Baby Victoria Pearls captain Jimia Mohamed Abdallah bats alongside Shadiah Gilingish Nambulime during their final group-stage game against Malawi U19
The victory saw Uganda finish second in Group A and set up a semifinal against Group B toppers Zimbabwe, who have maintained a perfect record in the tournament.
The Baby Victoria Pearls suffered their only defeat in the group stage against Nigeria U19, losing their opening game by four wickets.
They responded strongly by defeating hosts Tanzania U19 by five wickets before completing their commanding win over Malawi.
Wicket Celebration: Tino Sarah and Sheirah Namagoba celebrate a wicket as a Malawian batter walks off the pitch
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 51-run victory over Rwanda U19, followed it with a 79-run win against Kenya U19 and then defeated Namibia U19 by five wickets to finish top of Group B unbeaten.
Thursday’s semifinal will therefore provide Uganda with both a major challenge and an opportunity to avenge their 2024 defeat.
In that encounter, Zimbabwe posted 138/7 before bowling Uganda out for 63. Lorraine Pemhiwa top-scored with an unbeaten 35, while Beloved Biza made 30 and claimed 2/13 to earn Player of the Match honors.
Déjà Vu: Kelis Ndlovu (19) alongside Beloved Biza (30) while batting for Zimbabwe U19 during the 2024 U19 semi-final at Gahanga B Stadium in Kigali
Uganda’s best performers were Irene Mutonyi, who took 2/6, and Immaculate Nandera, who top-scored with 24.
The semifinal at ESTIM Ground (TCA Arena – UDSM) starts at 2:00pm EAT, with Nigeria U19 facing Rwanda U19 at 9:30am at the same venue.
The winner of the tournament will claim Africa’s sole qualification ticket to the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Malawi and Namibia, who finished bottom of Groups A and B respectively, will be relegated to Division 2.
Rwanda qualified from the inaugural African U19 qualifier in Botswana in 2022, while Nigeria secured the 2024 ticket after a rain-affected final.
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