Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Online Writer
ZIMBABWE Under-19 women secured their place in the final of the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup Qualifiers after beating Uganda by 20 runs.
The Young Lady Chevrons will now face Nigeria in the final, with the crucial match set to determine the team’s qualification hopes for the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup.
Uganda won the toss and elected to field, restricting Zimbabwe to 104 for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum with Uganda’s bowlers regularly making breakthroughs, but they managed to reach 104 through a determined lower-order effort.
Zimbabwe lost their first wicket at seven runs, with Makanaka Zinyama dismissed in the third over, before Nicolette Nyika followed shortly afterwards to leave the side eight for two.
Beloved Biza and Christina Mutasa were among the other wickets to fall as Uganda kept Zimbabwe under pressure.
However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers responded strongly when they took to the field, restricting Uganda to 84 for nine wickets in 20 overs to seal a 20-run victory.
Vanessa Mayedza led the Zimbabwe bowling attack with three wickets, while Tadiwanashe Garutsa and Christina Mutasa claimed two wickets apiece.
Uganda’s chase suffered an early setback when Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime was dismissed at 22, followed by Sheirah Namagoba at 32.
Mary Namiira, Jimia Abdallah Muhamed, Joan Ilora and Irene Mutonyi also fell as Zimbabwe tightened their grip on the match.
Uganda reached 74 for eight before Mischelle Ariago became their ninth wicket at 83 in the final over, leaving them short of the required target.
The Young Lady Chevrons will be hoping to cap their impressive campaign by overcoming Nigeria and securing a place at the global tournament.
