Zimbabwe U19 defeated Uganda’s Baby Victoria Pearls by 20 runs to advance to the final of the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Thursday.
The Baby Victoria Pearls won the toss and elected to bowl first at ESTIM Oval, restricting Zimbabwe to 104/9 in their 20 overs.
Uganda made one change to the side that defeated Malawi, with Blessing Noeline Apio coming into the playing XI for Asha Mukite.
Uganda relied heavily on spin, using seven spinners during Zimbabwe’s innings. Uganda U19’s task became increasingly difficult as two batters were dismissed without scoring.
Needing 23 runs from the final over, Uganda managed only two runs as Zimbabwe closed out the match to secure a 20-run victory.
Zimbabwe U19 will meet Nigeria U19 in the final on Saturday with the winner securing Africa’s sole qualification ticket to the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Nigeria booked its place in the final after a dominant nine-wicket victory over Rwanda U19 in the other semi-final. Uganda will conclude with a bronze medal playoff against Rwanda U19 on Saturday.
