Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Under-19 Women produced another dominant all-round performance, dismantling Kenya Under-19 Women by 79 runs yesterday to move a step closer to the semi-finals of the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Dar es Salaam.
Zimbabwe posted 128 for seven in their allotted 20 overs.
Their bowlers then tore through Kenya’s batting line-up, dismissing the East Africans for just 49 in 15.1 overs at the TCA Cricket Arena, University of Dar es Salaam.
The 79-run victory followed Zimbabwe’s 51-run opening win over Rwanda on Sunday and leaves the Young Chevrons in a strong position in Group B with one match remaining.
The tournament’s winner will qualify directly for the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Eight teams are competing in Dar es Salaam for Africa’s single qualification place.
Zimbabwe’s victory was built around another important contribution from Beloved Biza, who followed her four-wicket haul against Rwanda with a composed 40 from 38 balls.
Biza struck five fours and scored at a strike rate of 105.26, providing the stability Zimbabwe needed after captain Lorraine Pemhiwa was dismissed for 17 from 19 deliveries.
Pemhiwa struck three fours before falling to Janet Makau, while Naomi Mhlekwa remained unbeaten on 17 from 22 balls to help Zimbabwe close on 128 for seven.
Nicolette Nyika made seven, Makanaka Zinyama four, Salem Museka nine and Christina Mutasa five, while Sharmaine Manyukwi supplied late impetus with 11 from nine balls. Zimbabwe’s innings contained 18 extras, including 15 wides, one bye, one leg-bye and one no-ball. The total was more than enough once Zimbabwe’s bowling attack got to work.
Tadiwanashe Garutsa was the leading wicket-taker, claiming three wickets for nine runs from her four overs. Her economy rate of 2.25 kept Kenya under sustained pressure.
Biza then produced another devastating spell with the ball, taking two wickets for just one run from 1.1 overs. Tawananyasha Zvomarima also claimed two wickets, conceding seven runs from three overs and bowling a maiden.
The combined figures underlined Zimbabwe’s control with the ball as Kenya struggled to establish even a single substantial partnership.
The Kenyan innings never recovered from the early damage and eventually folded for 49 in 15.1 overs.
The result represents another emphatic statement from a Zimbabwe side that has now backed up its opening day victory with an even larger winning margin.
Zimbabwe had earlier defeated Rwanda by 51 runs after posting 139 for seven, with Pemhiwa scoring 70 from 58 balls. Biza then returned 4-14 and Garutsa 3-12 as Rwanda were bowled out for 88.
Against Kenya, however, Zimbabwe’s batting total was lower, but the bowling attack compensated decisively, conceding only 49 runs.
The victory is particularly significant because Kenya had also entered the contest with a win from their opening match, having beaten Namibia by 54 runs. Kenya’s Melvin Khagoitsa had taken four wickets for five runs in that match.
The qualification picture now moves into a decisive phase.
Zimbabwe will face Namibia tomorrow in their final Group B match, while Rwanda and Kenya will also meet. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for September 5.
