DUBAI: The stage is set for a thrilling display of talent and fierce competition as Africa gears up for the Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. This December, Uganda hosts an electrifying showdown featuring eight teams vying fiercely for just two coveted spots in the global qualifier.
Renowned for its burgeoning talent, the African region promises an intense battle among the teams, setting the stage for a competition brimming with excitement and closely contested matchups. The landscape is ripe for surprises and upsets, with several teams poised to challenge the established order.
The tournament unfolds with four teams each in Group A and Group B. The top two contenders from each group will advance to the semi-finals, where the winners secure their passage to the global qualifier.
Group A showcases the presence of Full Members Zimbabwe, considered favourites but not immune to upsets, given recent losses including a T20I defeat to Namibia last year. Their quest for a top spot faces competition from Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana, with Tanzania displaying strength from a recent strong showing in Hong Kong’s Quadrangular series. Kenya enters with momentum from a dominating performance in the Division Two tournament, spearheaded by the formidable Queentor Abel.
Group B, on the other hand, appears to be a battleground of equals. Hosts Uganda confront Namibia, a spirited Rwandan side boasting emerging talent, and an ascending Nigerian team. Uganda, inspired by their compatriots’ surprise qualification for the Men’s event, eyes one of the prized global qualifier spots. Rwanda, fresh from a victory over Uganda in the Kwibuka tournament, brings the vigour of their young talents, pitting their skills against Namibia’s seasoned experience. Nigeria banks on captain Blessing Etim and batter Salome Sunday to make their mark.
The anticipation surrounding the tournament is palpable, further emphasized by Patricia Kambarami, ICC Regional Development Manager – Africa. Kambarami highlights the exponential growth in women’s cricket across Africa, noting the expanding participation in the pathway to this event.
It is an exciting time for women’s cricket in Africa. We are delighted by the growth in the number of teams involved in the pathway to this event this year.
The increased enthusiasm for the sport and burgeoning fan support on the continent set the stage for a cricketing extravaganza in Uganda over the next nine days. The tournament promises not just a quest for qualification but also a celebration of the collective quality and potential within the African cricketing landscape.
