Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Under-19 Women moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup after defeating Uganda by 20 runs in the Africa Qualifier semi-final in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, yesterday.
The Young Lady Chevrons battled to 104 for nine from their allotted 20 overs before restricting Uganda to 84 for nine at the TCA Cricket Arena.
All-rounder Vanessa Mayedza spearheaded Zimbabwe’s defence of the modest total, claiming three wickets for 13 runs from four overs to earn the Player of the Match award.
Christina Mutasa took two for 12, while Tadiwanashe Garutsa finished with two for 15 as Zimbabwe maintained the bowling discipline that has underpinned their unbeaten campaign.
The victory secured Zimbabwe a place in tomorrow’s final, where the winners will claim Africa’s sole qualification ticket to the global tournament in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Zimbabwe endured a difficult start after electing to bat, losing Makanaka Zinyama for three and Nicolette Nyika for four to slip to eight for two in the fourth over.
Captain Lorraine Pemhiwa steadied the innings alongside Beloved Biza, with the pair adding 45 runs for the third wicket.
Biza struck three boundaries in her 21 from as many deliveries before falling to Sheirah Namagoba.
Pemhiwa top-scored with 28 from 30 balls, hitting four fours, but her run-out triggered a middle-order wobble which left Zimbabwe on 59 for five.
Garutsa revived the innings with a valuable 22 from 22 deliveries. Her knock, which included four boundaries, helped Zimbabwe reach three figures despite losing regular wickets.
Namagoba was Uganda’s leading bowler with three for 21, while three run-outs also contributed to Zimbabwe’s struggles.
Chasing 105 for victory, Uganda reached 41 for three before Zimbabwe seized control with three wickets for two runs.
Mayedza dismissed Uganda captain Jimia Abdallah Muhamed for 24 before removing Joan Ilora for a first-ball duck in the final over of her spell.
Buhlebenkosi Maphosa then accounted for Irene Mutonyi as Uganda collapsed from 41 for three to 43 for six.
