Rwanda is all set to host the final leg of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Qualifier from 22 to 29 September 2024, at Gahanga and IPRC Cricket Grounds in Kigali.
The eight competing teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda and Uganda, while Group B features Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals. The winners will then contest for that coveted lone World Cup spot in a final slated for 29 September at Gahanga Cricket Ground.
Fourteen teams are already through to the World Cup, they include the 10 full-member teams from the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa – Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.
Tournament hosts Malaysia, Samoa (winners of the East Asia-Pacific regional qualifier), Scotland (winners of the Europe regional qualifier), and the USA, who received automatic qualification as the only team in the Americas region to meet the criteria required for the qualification pathway.
In November 2024, Kuwait, Nepal, Thailand, and host United Arab Emirates will compete in a double round-robin format for the 16th and final qualification slot.
Speaking ahead of the Qualifier in Kigali, Rwanda Cricket Association President Stephen Musaale said that Rwanda was honoured to host the qualifiers and believes the competition will further inspire more local youngsters to play the sport.
“Cricket is, without doubt, one of the fastest-growing sports in Rwanda, and we are confident that hosting these qualifiers will further accelerate this momentum,” he said.
In 2022, Rwanda defied the odds by beating Uganda in the Qualifier to claim that lone spot at the inaugural event in South Africa.
The participating squads are as follows:
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. Kimari (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.
Courtesy Photos
