Monday, September 23 Rwanda vs Namibia Namibia U19:101/8 (20 overs) Rwanda U19: 102/3 (17.3 overs) Rwanda won by 7 wickets Rwanda produced a dominant bowling and batting performance on Matchday 2, thrashing Namibia by seven wickets at IPRC-Kigali Cricket Ground on Monday, September 23. It was their second consecutive win for the hosts at the ongoing ICC U19 Women’s T20 WC Africa qualifiers, having beaten Kenya by 58 runs in Sunday’s opening game. ALSO READ: Strong start for Rwanda at U19 Women's T20 WC qualifier After formidable bowling spells from Rwanda’s trio; Sonia Umuringa (3 for 18 in 4 overs), Chanceline Umutoni (2 for 25) and Ruth Uwimana (1 for 16) to limit Namibia to 101 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, Rwanda chased down the score with 15 balls to spare. Rosette Shimwamana (37 off 52 balls) and Shakila Niyomuhoza (26 off 22 balls) anchored the chase to maintain Rwanda’s perfect start in the tournament. In the first innings, Namibia looked poised for a massive total after racing to 50 runs without losing a wicket. However, a combination of tighter bowling lines, lengths, and sensational catching in the outfield swung the game back in Rwanda’s favor as Namibia lost their top five batters in quick succession for five runs. Rwanda round off their Group matches on Wednesday, September 25, against Uganda, while Namibia lock horns with Kenya. Uganda flying high, Kenya’s torrid run continues Right-arm off-break bowler Lona Anyait returned career-best figures of 7 for 6 runs as Uganda raced to a humbling nine-wicket victory over Kenya at IPRC on Match day 2. Anyait, who was not introduced into the attack until the 9th over, gave her skipper, Jimia Abdallah Muhamed, something to ponder about ahead of their final Group A clash against Rwanda on Wednesday, September 25, after ripping through Kenya’s batting line-up before bundling out the side for a dismal score of 37 with a whole six overs to spare. It was a terrible day at the office for Kenya’s batters, who also suffered two clumsy runouts. After the break, Uganda made light work of the chase, sailing home in the 9th over and losing only one wicket. This emphatic win propelled Uganda to the top of the group on net run-rate over Rwanda, who are level on points (four) following back-to-back wins over Kenya and Namibia. Group B: Zimbabwe stunned! Rampant Nigeria mauled a lethargic Zimbabwe side by one wicket to move top of Group B at Gahanga Cricket Stadium. Set what looked like a dismal target (78) for victory, Nigeria lost wickets at regular intervals but kept their nerve when it mattered most to pull off one of their most accomplished wins in international cricket. Nigeria had their tail-ender Peace Usen to thank as she drove the last delivery of the second innings through the covers region for a match-winning single off the bowling of Runyararo Pasipanody, who finished with bowling figures of 2 for 8 in 2 overs. It was a torrid day for batting as Beloved Biza (33 off 36 balls) and Christina Mutasa (10 off 13) were the only Zimbabweans to reach double figures. Omosigho Promise Eguakun (15 off 20 balls) and Peculiar Ewere Agboya (13 off 33 balls) topped the scoring charts for Nigeria. Defeat leaves Zimbabwe on level points (two) with Tanzania but the former enjoy a superior net run-rate. Tanzania get first win Tanzania returned to winning ways after edging Malawi by 17 runs on Matchday 2 at Gahanga Cricket Stadium. Tanzania’s captain Agnes Joseph Qwele, led from the front with an all-rounder performance to keep her side’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. She struck five boundaries and a huge six in her knock of 39 off 32 and then stifled Malawi’s scoring chances after conceding only eight runs in her three overs. She was well supported by Jenipher Gabriel Kimaro (2 for 14) and Lightness Eliud Elisha (2 for 16) to limit Malawi to 69 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. The win brought Tanzania to level points (two) with Zimbabwe in Group B, although the latter enjoy a better net run rate.
