Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Under-19 Women completed an unbeaten group campaign at the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier after cruising to a five-wicket victory over Namibia in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, yesterday.
The Young Lady Chevrons dismissed Namibia for 86 in 18.2 overs before reaching 87 for five in 12.5 overs to seal their third successive victory and advance to the semi-finals.
Despite the perfect record, coach Trevor Garwe believes his charges are yet to produce their best cricket, pointing to the top order as one area requiring improvement ahead of the knock-out stage.
“As a team, I don’t think we have played our best game so far,” said Garwe.
“If we look at our batting, our top order hasn’t clicked as much as we would have wanted or as much as they have been performing.
“I think that is the only concern. I am sure as they get used to the conditions here, we will definitely see a massive improvement in those areas.”
Against Namibia, Zimbabwe’s bowlers once again laid the foundation for victory.
Buhlebenkosi Maposa claimed three wickets for 18 runs from four overs to earn the Player of the Match award, while Felicity Mpofu chipped in with two for eight.
Elly Kambonde provided Namibia’s main resistance with 45 from 43 balls, while Zanelle Steyn contributed 17 from 20 before their innings folded with 10 balls remaining.
Zimbabwe were rarely troubled in the chase despite losing five wickets.
Tadiwanashe Garutsa led the way with 31 from 32 deliveries, while Beloved Biza struck a quick-fire 19 from nine balls as the Young Lady Chevrons reached their target with 43 balls to spare.
Garwe was satisfied with securing a semi-final berth but said there was still work to be done as the competition enters its decisive phase.
“The team has performed so far. It might not really be as we want, but they have done well, and we are through to the semi-finals, so that is a big positive for us,” he said.
“We are still polishing up a few things as the tournament goes on, but as a group and as a team, we are really happy with the performances.”
Zimbabwe opened their campaign with a 51-run victory over Rwanda before overwhelming Kenya by 79 runs in their second match.
Captain Lorraine Pemhiwa struck 70 against Rwanda, while Biza took four for 14. Biza then contributed 40 against Kenya, with Garutsa taking three for nine as Kenya were dismissed for 49.
Garwe believes the resilience shown by his players has been just as important as their results.
“The ladies are fighting hard. That is one thing we have as a group. They fight, and they don’t give up,” he said.
“That is the attitude we try to encourage. We just hope they can keep that momentum going and always stay in the fight and stay in the game.
“It’s a plus for you as a coach when you have a group that fights until the last run or the last wicket.”
Zimbabwe now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where the stakes increase in their quest for the continent’s sole ticket to the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal.
