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Match Summaries:
Eswatini Vs Mozambique:
Mozambique U19: 158/5 (20 overs)
Eswatini U19: 73/10 (15.2 overs)
Mozambique won by 85 runs
Botswana Vs Lesotho:
Botswana U19: 133/0 (20 overs)
Lesotho U19: 44/7 (20 overs)
Botswana won by 89 runs
Kenya Vs Sierra Leone:
Kenya U19: 126/5 (20 overs)
Sierra Leone U19: 106/6 (20 overs).
Kenya won by 20 runs
Malawi Vs Mozambique:
Mozambique U19: 25/10 (13 overs)
Malawi U19: 26/0 (4.1 overs)
Malawi won by 10 wickets
Mozambique revived their campaign with a decisive 85-run victory over Eswatini on Matchday 2, temporarily boosting their chances in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa qualifier in Kigali.
In need of a comprehensive win to enhance their net run-rate (NRR) and stay in contention for the two available slots, Mozambique set a formidable target of 158/5 in 20 overs.
Wisely Nely Acacio Bucuane led the charge with a well-crafted 49 off 54 balls, supported by captain Amelia Lucas Mudodo’s quickfire 21 off 17.
Eswatini’s efforts were severely hampered by conceding a staggering 57 extras, which played a significant role in Mozambique’s imposing total.
In response, Eswatini struggled, losing wickets at regular intervals, with none of their batters managing to reach double figures.
The team’s dismal start to the campaign was encapsulated by their inability to mount a credible chase.
Botswana maintained their unbeaten streak in the Division 2 qualifier with a resounding 89-run victory over neighbors Lesotho.
Mercy Dipogiso was the standout performer, scoring a composed half-century (52 off 60 balls) to anchor Botswana’s innings.
She was well supported by opening partner Tlhalefos Godisamang, who remained unbeaten on 37, and the 44 extras gifted by Lesotho, which helped Botswana post a strong total of 133/0 in their 20 overs.
Lesotho’s chase never gained momentum, as they stumbled to 44/7.
Botswana’s bowlers, led by Lame Rasina (3/5 in 2 overs) and Entle Mmese (2/7 in 4 overs), delivered a clinical performance to seal the win.
Botswana now looks ahead to their next challenge against Kenya and Malawi on Saturday, August 24.
Kenya had to dig deep to secure a hard-fought 20-run victory over Sierra Leone on Matchday 2 of the ongoing ICC U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup Africa Division 2 qualifier in Kigali.
After opting to bat first, the East Africans found runs hard to come by due to disciplined bowling from Sierra Leone’s Mariama Jalloh (1/15 in 4 overs), Patricia Pratt (0/11 in 3 overs), and Isha Kariatu Bangura (0/18 in 4 overs).
Kenya’s innings was anchored by a patient knock of 44 off 55 balls from the experienced Janet Makau, after early setbacks saw the loss of top batters Kreeshan Mehta (2 off 5) and captain Melvin Khagoitsa (19 off 14).
Their final total of 126/5 provided their bowlers with a defendable score.
Sierra Leone appeared on course in their chase at 55/1 in the 10th over but faltered as they lost three quick wickets in the next four overs, shifting the momentum back in Kenya’s favor.
Khagoitsa made amends for her earlier batting struggles by taking two crucial wickets, including that of Sierra Leone’s top-scorer Emma Kamara (31 off 25 balls), which helped secure the win.
Kenya will next face Botswana on Saturday, August 26.
Following their commanding morning win, Mozambique’s fortunes took a sharp downturn in their afternoon match against their neighbors Malawi, where they were bowled out for a mere 25 runs—the lowest score in the tournament so far.
Malawi’s bowling attack, led by leg-break bowler Lucy Malino (3/6 in 4 overs) and supported by pace duo Evah Kabwere and Esther Richard (two wickets each), dismantled Mozambique’s batting lineup in an innings that lasted just 13 overs.
Malawi wasted no time in chasing down the target, reaching 26/0 in just five overs to further bolster their net run rate.
With this win, Malawi remains at the top of the standings with 6 points, closely followed by Kenya and Botswana with 4 points each, though the latter has played one game less
Friday, 23rd August, is a rest day.
Match Day 3 Fixtures: Saturday 24
th August
9.30am – Botswana Vs Kenya at Gahanga 1
9.30am – Sierra Leone Vs Eswatini at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Malawi Vs Botswana at Gahanga 1
1.50pm – Mozambique Vs Lesotho at Gahanga 2
