By 
Rwanda is set to become the epicenter of African women’s cricket as it hosts the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier from August 21st to 27th, 2024.
The event, held across three venues in Kigali, will see seven nations—Kenya, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Malawi, Eswatini, and Sierra Leone—battling it out in a round-robin format.
The stakes are high as the top two teams will move on to the final Africa Qualifier in September 2024, where they will vie for a spot in the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup in Malaysia and Thailand.
Rwanda’s inclusion as a host for this prestigious event is a testament to the country’s growing reputation in the cricketing world.
Rwanda Cricket Association President Stephen Musaale expressed his excitement about the tournament:
“It’s always an honor for Rwanda to host such tournaments because it reflects the ICC’s trust in us.
This event provides an opportunity to further grow our fanbase and inspire more public and corporate support for cricket in Rwanda.
We extend a warm welcome to all participating nations and officials, and we look forward to a thrilling contest.”
Kenya’s U19 captain, Melvin Khagoitsa, is confident in her team’s prospects.
Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, she highlighted her team’s experience as a key advantage.
“We have several experienced players who have prepared diligently for this tournament, and we are confident we will compete strongly,” she remarked.
The tournament promises to be a competitive affair, with Rwanda eager to replicate its historic 2022 qualification, where they upset the odds to secure a spot in the 2023 ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup in South Africa by defeating Uganda in the Semifinals and Tanzania in the finals.
The outcome of this qualifier will not only shape the future of these young athletes but also the trajectory of women’s cricket in Africa
Participating Squads
Kenya
Melvin Khagoitsa (Captain), Janet Makau, Zainabu Hamisi, Kreeshna Mehta, Roshele Atamba, Irene Mutinda, Awe Wambua, Tania Atieno, Stella Idagiza, Neera Ruda, Ayaana Gupta, Marion Agoi, Rael Kaibunga
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
Mozambique
Amelia L. Mundundo (Captain), Wisley Nely A. Bucuane, Regina O. Mazumba, Faida P. Tesora, Bitosa Q. Vilia, Yudney Murrure, Carolina L. Muchanga, Delerosa S. Navingo, Leonar V. Mandhate, Marlene R. Gulela, Ilauda L. Muiambo, Ilza Artur Machava, Zelia F. Chauque, Suzan D. Matavele
Botswana
Tlhalefo B. Godisamanga (Captain), Merco One Dipogiso, Segaba O. Keganne, Entle Mmese, Lame Rasina, Lesego L. Kooagile, Aliya J. Motorwala, Oratile Tsimako, Celeste M. Aaron, Amantle G. Letuba, Keotshephile Kearialo, Mpho Modise, Queen Kebetso, Otatile M. Gegopolwe
Eswatini
Dlamini Tibusiso (Captain), Dlamini Siphelele, Dlamini Owami Gwebu Lethokuhle, Mamba Kendokuhle, Mamba Nkosingiphile, Mkhonta Nomphilo, Nkosi Siyamthanda, Shabalala Zinle, Shabalala Lihle, Simelane Lulama, Sithole Temazikodze, Tsabedze Nomazwi, Zwane Phumlile
Lesotho
Kananelo M. Molapo (Captain), Karabo Christina, Tshowana Ntobo, Lerato A. Mating, Reabetsoe Matilda, Lemohang R. Sakoane, Mat’seliso G. Setintana, Lintle Mohloai, Lindiwe T. Polaki, Kabelo Esther, Boitumelo Tlali, Tsoanelo Seaka, Topollo Mofolo, Teboho Mosobela
Sierra Leone
Patricia Pratt (Captain), Alice Fellie, Fatu Conteh, Emma Kamara, Katty Kamara, Susan Sesay, Isha Kariatu Bangura, Mariama Jalloh, Jennifer French, Isatu Alimatu Bah, Ramatu Kamara, Theres B. Tommy, Mary Kamara, Jatu Turay
MATCH SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, August 21:
9.30am – Malawi Vs Eswatini at Gahanga 1
9.30am – Mozambique Vs Botswana at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Lesotho Vs Kenya at Gahanga 1
1.50pm – Malawi Vs Sierra Leone at Gahanga 2
Thursday, August 22:
9.30am – Eswatini Vs Mozambique at Gahanga 1
9.30am – Botswana Vs Lesotho at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Kenya Vs Sierra Leone at Gahanga 1
1.50pm – Malawi Vs Mozambique at Gahanga 2
Friday, August 23:
Rest Day
Saturday, August 24:
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
Sunday, August 25:
Rest (OLYMPIC DAY)
Monday, August 26:
9.30am – Malawi Vs Lesotho at Gahanga 1
9.30am – Eswatini Vs Botswana at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Mozambique Vs Kenya at Gahanga 1
1.50pm – Sierra Leone Vs Lesotho at Gahanga 2
Tuesday, August 27:
9.30am – Eswatini Vs Kenya at Gahanga 1
9.30am – Botswana Vs Sierra Leone at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Eswatini Vs Lesotho at Gahanga 1
1.50pm – Malawi Vs Kenya at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Mozambique Vs Sierra Leone at IPRC
