The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers 2024 reach a critical juncture today as Group A leaders Uganda face off against hosts Rwanda, with both sides eyeing the top spot in a highly-anticipated encounter.
Uganda’s U19 national girls’ team, the Baby Victoria Pearls, will need to win Rwanda at the IPRC Kigali, starting at 1:50 pm, if they are to secure first place in Group A.
Both teams have already qualified for the semifinals, each boasting two victories against Kenya and Namibia.
However, the group leadership hangs in the balance, with Uganda currently occupying the top spot thanks to a superior Net Run Rate.
Today’s clash is a rematch of the 2022 qualifiers’ semifinal, where Rwanda won and ultimately secured a place in the World Cup.
Uganda will be looking to avenge that loss and carry momentum into the semifinals.
The Baby Victoria Pearls began their campaign with a dominant 49-run victory over Namibia on Sunday, followed by a comfortable nine-wicket win against Kenya in their second group game.
Rwanda, meanwhile, dismantled Kenya in their opener, bowling them out for 37 runs before chasing the total in 13.1 overs.
They followed this up with a solid performance against Namibia, chasing down 102 in 17.3 overs to secure a seven-wicket win.
Both sides come into this matchday well-rested, having taken Tuesday off to recover from their Monday victories.
Uganda’s head coach, Yusuf Nanga, acknowledged the importance of the rest day as they prepare to face the tournament hosts.
“We shall rest tomorrow and come back fresher to play against the hosts Rwanda,” Nanga said after Uganda’s win over Kenya.
Uganda will be motivated to settle the score from 2022 but will need to avoid letting emotions override their performance. Coach Nanga aims to top the group, potentially setting up a more favorable semifinal clash.
“We are looking forward to finishing top of the group and meeting a second-placed opponent in the other group,” he added, with Zimbabwe likely to be Uganda’s potential semifinal opponent.
Both Uganda and Rwanda will advance to the semifinals, with the tournament winner earning the single qualification spot to represent Africa at the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.
The final will take place on Sunday, September 29, in Kigali.
