2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
- Uganda Vs Tanzania – 3:30 PM
Uganda’s Victoria Pearls begin their hunt for a 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup spot this Sunday, August 31, against fellow East African side, Tanzania at the High Performance Centre in Windhoek, Namibia.
The ICC Women’s T20 Africa Qualifier runs from August 31 to September 6, featuring eight teams; Kenya, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, all competing for two places at the Global Qualifier, the final gateway to next year’s World Cup in England and Wales.
Uganda, ranked 17th globally, are in Group B alongside Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Their group fixtures are:
• Aug 31: vs Tanzania — 3:30 PM (EAT)
• Sept 1: vs Rwanda — 3:30 PM (EAT)
• Sept 3: vs Kenya — 3:30 PM (EAT)
The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, and the finalists secure tickets to the Global Qualifier.
Uganda last reached the Global Qualifier in 2023 and are determined to return. Head coach Dues Muhumuza says the team is ready:
“Training has been good. We’ve adjusted to the conditions, sharpened our fielding, and worked on spin. The energy is high, and the girls are focused on executing our plans.”
On the Tanzania opener, he added;
“We faced them recently, but this is a new game. If we stick to our plans, we believe we can win.”
Captain Janet Mbabazi echoed her coach’s confidence;
“We’ve settled in well and had solid practice sessions. The team is in good spirits and ready to show what we’ve worked on. Having played here before gives us an advantage.”
She also praised the younger players;
“They bring a lot of energy. We want them to play freely while the seniors guide them. It’s all about teamwork and sticking to the basics.”
On the other side, Tanzania’s batter Shufaa Hamza Mohamedi sounded equally prepared:
“We’ve trained well and feel no pressure. We know Uganda, and they know us. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
The last time the two sides faced each other was in June 2025, Uganda won the game by 20 runs at the 2025 Kwibuka Tournament in Gahanga, Rwanda after a good display by the skipper Mbabazi.
With only two Global Qualifier spots up for grabs, Uganda face a tough road, especially against hosts Namibia and heavyweights Zimbabwe.
But with strong preparation and renewed confidence, the Victoria Pearls will aim to make a bold statement against Tanzania in their opening match.
