• Final qualification leg to feature eight teams split into two groups • 18 matches to be played at two venues (Gahanga 2 & IPRC) over eight days, starting on 22 September • The winner of the Kigali qualifier will book ticket to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 in Malaysia 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 September 29. 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 United States, 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. 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 hosts and Zimbabwe are the only two countries in the Kigali qualifier which took part in the 2023 World Cup finals held in South Africa. But does that bring any pressure on Leonard Nhamburo’s side? “Pressure? What pressure? It’s all about preparing your team and play each game as it is. And we are confident that we are going back to the World Cup,” Nhamburo told the press in a pre-tournament media briefing. 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, LeighMarie 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. Fixtures Sunday, September 22: 9.30am – Kenya Vs Rwanda at Gahanga 2 9.30am – Malawi Vs Zimbabwe at IPRC 1.50pm – Namibia Vs Uganda at Gahanga 2 1.50pm – Tanzania Vs Nigeria at IPRC
