Media release

• Final qualification leg to feature eight teams split into two groups (A & B)
• 18 matches to be played at two venues (Gahanga 2 & IPRC) over eight days, starting on 22 September
• Final to be played on 29 September, with the winner securing a ticket to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 in Malaysia.
• Fans can follow the action here

Rwanda is all set to host the final leg of the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup Africa Regional Qualifier from 22 to 29 September 2024, at Gahanga and IPRC Cricket Grounds in Kigali.

The eight competing teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda and Uganda, while Group B features Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals. The winners will then contest for that coveted lone World Cup spot in a final slated for 29 September at Gahanga Cricket Ground.

Fourteen teams are already through to the World Cup, they include the 10 full-member teams from the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa – Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. Tournament hosts Malaysia, Samoa (winners of the East Asia-Pacific regional qualifier), Scotland (winners of the Europe regional qualifier), and the USA, who received automatic qualification as the only team in the Americas region to meet the criteria required for the qualification pathway.

In November 2024, Kuwait, Nepal, Thailand, and host United Arab Emirates will compete in a double round-robin format for the 16^th and final qualification slot.

Speaking ahead of the Qualifier in Kigali, Rwanda Cricket Association President Stephen Musaale said that Rwanda was honoured to host the qualifiers and believes the competition will further inspire more local youngsters to play the sport.

“Cricket is, without doubt, one of the fastest-growing sports in Rwanda, and we are confident that hosting these qualifiers will further accelerate this momentum,” he said.

In 2022, Rwanda defied the odds by beating Uganda in the Qualifier to claim that lone spot at the inaugural event in South Africa.

The participating squads are as follows:

Rwanda

Shakila Niyomuhoza (Captain), Fanny Utagushimaninde, Liliane Ufitinema, Rosette Shimwamana, Sandrine Izabayo, Chanceline Umutoni, Grace Mugwaneza, Uwase Niyorukundo, Sonia Umuringa, Devota Uwizeye, Anifa Mukamusoni, Ruth Uwimana, Nadine Nzayituriki, Nasira Umukundwa.

Zimbabwe

Kelis T. Ndhlovu (Captain), Christina Mutasa, Lorraine Pemhiwa, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Passionate Munorwei, Kudzai K. Chigora, Buhlebenkosi Maposa, Chipo Moyo, Olinder Chare, Melinda Kachingwe, Beloved Biza, Diveniah Ndhlalambi, Valour Tawananyasha, Nokutenda Makanhiwa.

Tanzania

Jenipher G. Kimari (Captain), Agnes Joseph Qwele, Athumani M. Mwanaidi, Saumu Deo Hussein, Rebeka M. Ezekiel, Lightness E. Elisha, Maria L. Massawe, Joan J. Elisha, Adolphina J. Sylvester, Englind G. Omurama, Josephine U. Shirima, Farid A. Kinyumbi, Rahima Y. Kibwana, ZakiaAlly Bewe.

Uganda

Jimia A. Muhamed (Captian), Malisa Ariokot, Lona Anyaita, Patricia Fiona Timong, Mischelle Ariago, Immaculate Nandera, Asumin Akurut, Jane Naume Amongin, Barbra Nanyanzi, Agnes Nakakande, Shadia G. Nabulime, Rashidah Tikabula, Irene Mutonyi, Mary Patricia Apolot.

Nigeria

Piety E. Lucky (Captain), Peculiar E. Agboya, Shola J. Adekunle, Christabel Nmesoma, Peace Usen, Lilian M. Ude, Naomi O. Memeh, Victory O.Igbinedion, Anointed O. Akhigbe, Kehinde M. Amusa, Omosigho P. Eguakun, Inyene Ubong, Deborah Bassey, Beauty Ehimen Oguai.

Namibia

Engela E. Van Der Merwe (Captain), Alice Cleopatra E.K, Keira Lesch, Keira Schoeman, Sela Tuuva Shiimi, , Thomas S. Namutenya, Veronika P. Tobias, Rianie Esterhuyzen, Monique Laas, Sonja Jane Siepker, Mekelaye N. Mwatile, Hileni Panduleni David, Leigh-Marie Visser, Unombuiro K. Kaanjosa.

Malawi

Ketrina M. Chingaipe (Captain), Alinafe Alfonso, Febbe Malefula, Lucy Malino, Angela Lumbe, Mercy Kudimba, Lucy Bigula, Euless Chilarile, Sophina Chinawa, Faith Khofi, Christina Bwanali, Frolance Nkhoma, Evah Kabwere, Esther Richard

Kenya

Melvin Khagoitsa (Captain), Janet Nthenya, Zainabu Hamisi, Kreeshna Mehta, Roshele Atamba, Nezarine Oluoch, Awe Wambua, Tania Atieno, Mary Atieno, Stella Rodgers, Ayaana Gupta, Marion Jacinta Agoi, Rael Kaibunga, Miriam Idagiza.

Group A Group B

1.Rwanda 1. Zimbabwe

2.Namibia 2. Tanzania

3.Uganda 3. Nigeria

4.Kenya 4. Malawi

MATCH SCHEDULE:

Sunday, September 22:

9.30am – Kenya Vs Rwanda at Gahanga 2

9.30am – Malawi Vs Zimbabwe at IPRC

1.50pm – Namibia Vs Uganda at Gahanga 2

1.50pm – Tanzania Vs Nigeria at IPRC

Monday, September 23:

9.30am – Tanzania Vs Malawi at Gahanga 2

9.30am – Uganda Vs Kenya at IPRC

1.50pm – Nigeria Vs Zimbabwe at Gahanga 2

1.50pm – Rwanda Vs Namibia at IPRC

Tuesday, September 24:

Rest Day

Wednesday, September 25:

9.30am – Nigeria Vs Malawi at Gahanga 2

9.30am – Kenya Vs Namibia at IPRC

1.50pm – Zimbabwe Vs Tanzania at Gahanga 2

1.50pm – Rwanda Vs Uganda at IPRC

Thursday, September 26:

1.50pm – 5^th & 6^th Place at Gahanga 2

1.50pm – 7^th & 8^th Place at IPRC

Friday, September 27:

Rest day

Saturday, September 28:

1.50pm – Semi-Final 1 at Gahanga 2

1.50pm – Semi-Final 2 at IPRC

Sunday, September 29:

9.30am – 3^rd Place at Gahanga 2

1.50pm – FINAL at Gahanga 2

Stay connected on social media:

• Instagram: @rwandacricket
• Facebook: @RwandaCricket
• Twitter: @RwandaCricket

Official Tournament Hashtag: #U19WWCQualifiers

ENDS