By 
Game Result
Zimbabwe U19 vs Baby Victoria Pearls
Toss: Uganda won the toss and elected to bowl
- Zimbabwe U19: 104/9 (20 overs)
- Uganda U19: 84/9 (20 overs)
Result: Zimbabwe U19 won by 20 runs
Player of Match: Tadiwanashe Makanaka Garutsa
Zimbabwe U19 has defeated Uganda’s Baby Victoria Pearls by 20 runs to advance to the final of the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The Baby Victoria Pearls won the toss and elected to bowl first at ESTIM Oval, restricting Zimbabwe to 104/9 in their 20 overs.
Uganda made one change to the side that defeated Malawi, with Blessing Noeline Apio coming into the playing XI for Asha Mukite.
The Baby Victoria Pearls relied heavily on spin, using seven spinners during Zimbabwe’s innings.
The Baby Victoria Pearls celebrate after claiming an early wicket in the innings
Sherah Namagoba led the bowling attack with an impressive 3/21 from her four overs, while Sarah Tino, Mischelle Ariago and Blessing Noeline Apio claimed one wicket each.
Blessing Noeline Apio in action while bowling for the Baby Cricket Cranes
Uganda also impressed in the field, producing two run-outs to keep Zimbabwe from posting a bigger total.
Zimbabwe’s innings was anchored by captain Lorraine Pemhiwa, who scored 28, while Tadiwanashe Makanaka Garutsa(22) and Beloved Biza(21) contributed runs each to give their side a competitive total.
Chasing 105 for victory, captain Jimia Abdallah Mohammed top-scored with 24 and tried to anchor the chase before she was dismissed in the 10th over.
Uganda U19’s task became increasingly difficult as two batters were dismissed without scoring.
Zimbabwe U19 fielders celebrate after claiming a wicket against Uganda U19 in the semi-final
Despite Zimbabwe U19 bowling 21 extras, the Baby Victoria Pearls could not take advantage.
Needing 23 runs from the final over, Uganda managed only two runs as Zimbabwe closed out the match to secure a 20-run victory.
Christina Vongai Mutasa and Tadiwanashe Makanaka Garutsa claimed two wickets each, with Garutsa named Player of the Match for her all-round contribution.
The result means, as it was in 2024, Zimbabwe U19 will meet Nigeria U19 in the final on Saturday afternoon, with the winner securing Africa’s sole qualification ticket to the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Nigeria booked its place in the final after a dominant nine-wicket victory over Rwanda U19 in the other semi-final that happened today morning.
For the Baby Victoria Pearls, the campaign will conclude with a bronze medal playoff against Rwanda U19 on Saturday morning.
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