By Victor Kanayo
All is now set for the semi-final clashes in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup African qualifiers with four countries gearing up for battles on Saturday.
In the last four matches, Uganda will face Tanzania an East African derby, while Zimbabwe clash with Namibia in the other semi-final fixture – a Southern Africa derby.
How The Semis Teams Emerged
With stakes at their highest, Namibia and Uganda efficiently handled business in the final group games of the competition in Uganda, securing their spots in the semifinals.
Prior to that, the tension was palpable, as the top two teams in Group B were yet to be determined, with Uganda, Namibia, and Nigeria all vying for the coveted spots.
However, Namibia emerged victorious over Rwanda by 11 runs in a game filled with thrills and heart-stopping moments.
Meanwhile, Uganda comfortably strolled to a 6-wicket triumph over Nigeria, solidifying their path to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2024 in Dubai, UAE.
And despite a resilient effort from Nigeria’s captain, Blessing Etim (24 off 42), Uganda’s sharp bowling made the total appear paltry. Proscovia Alako (23) and Kevin Awino (16) set the tone with an opening stand of 36, leaving Janet Mbabazi (9*) and Immaculate Nakisuyi (5*) to seal the victory with 30 balls to spare.
Nigeria, despite finding some joy with four wickets in Uganda’s innings, concluded the match teary and inconsolable, as their campaign came to an abrupt end on a day that held promising opportunity for them.