TZ edge Uganda to seal third place in T20 Africa qualifier
TANZANIA concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 campaign on a high note with a narrow six-run victory over Uganda in Windhoek on Friday.
Despite the win, Tanzania narrowly missed out on a spot in the global qualifier, having fallen short in the semi-final against Namibia on Thursday, where they were defeated by eight wickets.
At the Namibia Cricket Ground, Tanzania displayed great grit and discipline to defend a modest total of 109, eventually bowling Uganda out for 103 in 19.4 overs, sealing third place in the tournament.
Having won the toss, Tanzania captain, Shufaa Mohamedi, elected to bat first under bright Namibian skies.
The innings began with intent as opener Saum Mtae struck two early boundaries before falling for 15 (13) in the third over. The anchoring effort came from Neema Pius, who played a patient knock of 33 off 43 deliveries, guiding the Tanzanian innings through the early wobble.
However, the star of the batting line-up was middle-order batter Hudaa Omary, who steadied the ship after Tanzania found themselves at 70 for 3 in the 13th over. Omary remained unbeaten on a fluent 45 off 34 balls, including four boundaries and a six, providing a vital late surge.
Despite a few stumbles in the middle order and a lack of significant extras from the Ugandan bowlers, Tanzania finished on 109 for 5 from their allotted 20 overs.
Uganda’s bowling attack was tight and consistent, with Concy Aweko standing out with figures of 2 for 14 in her four overs. Kevin Amuge and Immaculate Nakisuuyi chipped in with a wicket apiece, while Janet Mbabazi and Sarah Akiteng kept the scoring rate under control.
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In reply, Uganda’s chase started steadily, with skipper Janet Mbabazi and Esther Iloku taking the score to 18 before Mbabazi was dismissed in the fourth over for 9. Iloku, however, kept the scoreboard ticking and top-scored for her side with a composed 45 from as many deliveries.
But Tanzania’s bowlers struck regularly to stifle the chase. Offspinner Nasra Saidi was instrumental in the death overs, claiming three crucial wickets and finishing with figures of 3 for 20 in 3.4 overs.
Mwanamvua Ushanga and Agnes Qwele provided excellent support, each picking up two wickets to tilt the game back in Tanzania’s favour.
Despite Iloku’s efforts, Uganda crumbled from 86 for 3 to 103 all out, losing their final seven wickets for just 17 runs in a dramatic collapse. The Tanzanian fielding unit was sharp, with two run-outs contributing to the mounting pressure. Ultimately, Uganda fell six runs short, with Tanzania celebrating a hard-fought and morale-boosting victory to secure third place in the qualifiers.
