Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Under-19 women’s cricket team captain Lorraine Pemhiwa struck a brilliant half-century before Beloved Biza led an impressive bowling display as the side launched their ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Quali-fier Division One campaign with a convincing 51-run victory over Rwanda in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
Pemhiwa led from the front with a superb 70 off 58 deliveries, including nine fours, to propel Zimbabwe to 139 for seven from their allotted 20 overs after they won the toss and elected to bat.
Opening alongside Nicolette Nyika, who contributed 11, the captain anchored the innings and ensured Zimbabwe posted a competitive total in their opening Group B encounter.
Biza chipped in with 17, while Christina Mutasa added 16 as Zimbabwe maintained their momentum despite Rwanda’s bowlers making regular breakthroughs.
Justine Ingabire was the pick of the Rwanda attack, claiming three wickets for 24 runs from her four overs.
Zimbabwe then took control with the ball as Salem Museka struck twice to reduce Rwanda to 31 for two inside seven overs.
Biza ran through the middle order with an outstanding spell of four wickets for just 14 runs from four overs, while Tadiwanashe Garutsa was equally impressive, returning figures of three for 12 from her four overs.
Museka finished with two for 30 before Makanaka Zinyama claimed the final wicket as Rwanda were bowled out for 88 in 19.2 overs.
The emphatic victory gave Zimbabwe the ideal start to the eight-team qualifying tournament, from which only one side will advance to the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe will return to the same venue to face Kenya today.
After a rest day, they will complete their Group B programme against Namibia on Wednesday, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semi-finals.
The final will be played on Saturday afternoon, when Africa’s sole representative at the global tournament will be decided.
Scorecard summary
Zimbabwe Under-19 Women 139-7 in 20 overs (Lorraine Pemhiwa 70, Beloved Biza 17, Christina Mutasa 16; Justine Ingabire 3-24, Lina Ikuzwe 1-15, Chanceline Umutoni 1-21).
Rwanda Under-19 Women 88 all out in 19.2 overs (Deborah Uwase 23, Fanny Utagushimaninde 18, Liliane Ufitine-ma 9; Beloved Biza 4-14, Tadiwanashe Garutsa 3-12, Salem Museka 2-30).
