Unbeaten Zimbabwe, Tanzania Power Into Semifinals

Tanzania storm semifinals after beating Kenya in rain interrupted fixture

Zimbabwe show gulf in class with 115-run win over Botswana to reach last four

Group A action returns with a top of the table clash between Uganda and Namibia

ENTEBBE, Uganda- Group B qualifiers were decided on Match Day Three as rain played a significant role in this prestigious eight-nation tournament where the top two finishers will earn qualification to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) next year.

Tanzania and the pre-tournament favorites Zimbabwe, took significant strides toward their objectives by clinching their spots in the semifinals with commanding victories over Kenya and Botswana, respectively.

Tanzania tame Kenya

The second East African derby of the tournament between Tanzania and Kenya unfolded as a stop-start affair played under overcast conditions, and ultimately reduced to an eight-over contest per innings due to heavy rainfall.

Tanzania’s strategic decision to bowl first proved pivotal as they gained control in the early exchanges. Kenya’s openers, Queentor Abel (9) and Melvin Khagoitsa (12), were dismissed before the heavens opened, leaving Kenya at 25 for 2 after 6.2 overs.

Following a commendable effort by the groundsmen to get the covers off and resume play, the limited time available allowed Kenya to bat for an additional 10 balls. During this period, they lost a wicket and added 10 runs. Duckworth, Lewis, and Stern (DLS) then came into play, and considering the available resources, assigned Kenya a score of 41.

Initially, things appeared to be in Kenya’s favour. Tanzania found themselves in a precarious situation at 13 for 3 in 2.3 overs, losing renowned big hitters; legendary Fatuma Omary Kibasu (0), left-hander Saum Godfrey Mtae (0), and Aisha Mohammed (5) in quick succession.

However, batting all-rounder Hudaaa Mrisho Omary (21*) and the new Tanzania captain Neema Justine Pius (13*) joined forces, forging a match-winning 29-run partnership off 24 balls to ensure Tanzania triumphed by 7 wickets with nine balls remaining, courtesy of DLS.

Despite having one more Group A match against Botswana, Kenya exit the competition, acknowledging that they lacked the necessary firepower, particularly with a young and newly assembled side.

Zimbabwe show gulf in class

The second derby of the day between Botswana and Zimbabwe was a one-sided affair, with the latter delivering a cricketing clinic as they romped to a commanding 115-run triumph. This resounding victory not only secured the Lady Chevrons a spot in the semifinals but also underscored the evident gulf in class between the two Southern African nations.

Captain Mary-Ann Musonda’s decision to bat, after winning the toss, signaled Zimbabwe’s intent to provide their batters with valuable time in the middle, capitalizing on the favorable batting conditions and a dry outfield at the lakeside Entebbe Oval. Musonda (28) and Modester Mupachikwa (44) formed a solid opening partnership, reaching the half-century mark within the powerplay.

Emerging talent Kelis Ndhlovu accelerated the scoring with a boundary-laden 17-ball innings, amassing 31 runs, while wicketkeeper Chiedza Dhururu (16*) added impetus. Coach Gary Brent’s women set a formidable total of 162 for 5, marking the highest team total in the event so far.

Gaobilwe Matome stood out with the ball, claiming three prized scalps, despite Botswana conceding 17 runs in extras. Shameelah Mosweu, a participant in the high-profile FairBreak Invitational T20 with the Warriors Women, was the sole player to reach double digits, contributing 15 off 24, with extras (14) emerging as the second-highest scorer in their innings.

Musonda, in a generous mood on the day, distributed the bowling responsibilities among seven of her players. However, it was the slow bowlers – Loreen Tshuma (three for 6), Nyasha Gwanzura (two for 4), Kelis Ndhlovu (two for 17), and Ashley Ndiraya (one for 0) – who stifled Botswana, leading to their collapse for a mere 47 all out in 17.4 overs.

All to play for

The Group A teams make a return to the battleground for their second round of games, with each fixture holding the promise of a potential thriller. The opening clash of Matchday Four features the two winless sides in the group, Nigeria and Rwanda.

Both teams are eager to reignite their campaigns after facing varying defeats in their opening matches. Nigeria, who narrowly lost to Namibia by 9 runs, aim to showcase better game awareness. Meanwhile, Rwanda, having suffered a 6-wicket defeat against Uganda, will treat today’s match as a final if they’re to keep their tournament hopes alive and give some joy to their traveling fans.

The afternoon Group B leaders Uganda and Namibia lock horns with both sides eager to confirm their spot in the next round today.

Matchday Three experienced some rain, but if the weather holds off today, fans can expect to be treated to more thrilling and entertaining cricket.

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SCORES IN BRIEF – DAY THREE:

Game 5 – Tanzania v Kenya

Tanzania won the toss and elected to bowl

Kenya 35 for 3 in 8 overs (Revised DLS Score: 41) (M Khagoitsa 12; P.Z Kamunya one for 7)

Kenya 42 for 3 in 6.3 overs (H.M Omary 21*, N.J Pius 13*; M Khagoitsa two for 8)

Tanzania won by 7 wickets (DLS Method)

Game 6 – Botswana v Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat

Zimbabwe 162 for 5 in 20 overs (M Mupachikwa 47, K Ndhlovu 31, M.A Musonda 28; G Matome three for 28, T Shadrack one for 25)

Botswana 47 all out in 17.4 overs (S Mosweu 15; L Tshuma three for 6, N Gwanzura two for 4, K Ndhlovu two for 17)

Zimbabwe won by 115 runs

Day 4 Fixtures – Tuesday, December 12

Game 7: Nigeria v Rwanda (09:30)

Game 8: Uganda v Namibia (01:50)

Points Table – Group A

Team	Played	Won	Lost	Tied	No Result	Points	NRR
Zimbabwe	2	2	0	0	0	4	+4.425
Tanzania	2	2	0	0	0	4	+2.867
Kenya	2	0	2	0	0	0	-2.559
Botswana	2	0	2	0	0	0	-4.796