Zimbabwe delivered a commanding performance against the Baby Victoria Pearls at the Gahanga 2 Oval in the first semifinal of the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers to secure a 75-run victory and end Uganda’s hopes of reaching the WorldCup.
Uganda entered the match unbeaten from their Group A, while Zimbabwe had suffered a loss to Nigeria in Group B. With both teams needing a win to progress tothe final and keep their World Cup dream alive, the stakes were high.
Zimbabwe opted to bat first, and despite a slow start, the partnership between Kelis Ndhlovu (19) and Beloved Biza (30) laid the foundation for a solid score.
Uganda’s Mutonyi Irene provided some resistance by picking up two crucial wickets, but the Zimbabwe batters found a way to keep the runs flowing. Runyararo Pasipanody (25) and an unbeaten 35 from Lorraine Pemhiwa guided Zimbabwe to a competitive total of 138 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Uganda’s bowlers Asumin Akurut (2/24) and Patricia Timong (2/21) also contributedwith key wickets, but Zimbabwe’s target of 138 seemed like a tough mountain to climb.
In response, Uganda’s chase never got going. They struggled to build partnerships, and their top order crumbled under pressure. Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept Uganda’s batters in check, consistently asking tough questions. Only Immaculate Nandera (24off 30 balls) and Jane Naume (14 off 24 balls) managed to reach double figures for Uganda.
Once Zimbabwe dismissed the two key batters, Uganda’s lower order fell quickly. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, including Olinder Chare, Runyararo Pasipanody, Beloved Biza, and Kudzai Kelly, each took two wickets, wrapping up Uganda for just 63 runs in19.2 overs
The win secured Zimbabwe’s place in the final, where they will face Nigeria at Gahanga 2 Oval . Uganda, on the other hand, will take on Rwanda in the third-place playoff tomorrow at the same oval in the morning.
Only the winner of the final will qualify for the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s World Cupin Malaysia
Courtesy Photos
