Uganda players recall memorable route to WT20Q

In September last year the 'Lady Cranes' made history as they toppled Zimbabwe for the first time to win the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Africa Qualifier in Windhoek, Namibia.

On that famous day, Uganda restricted Zimbabwe to 99/7 before going on to win the game by seven wickets with three balls to spare. Captain Kevin Awino and opening batsman Saidati Kemigisha recall just what a special moment it was and how it all became possible.

"It wasn’t an easy game, it was a tough one, because the first game we played against Zimbabwe in the group stages we lost. We went back, thought about the semis and finals, made strategies for those games and it went well," said Awino, who doubles up as Uganda's wicket-keeper and skipper.

"Even in the group stage when we lost, we knew were going to get them in the finals. We knew their weaknesses. We knew Zimbabwe would bat first thinking they could hit a big score, but we gathered ourselves and we knew we had to fight."

Kemigisha, a promising 19-year-old batter, saw her side home, and Uganda's strength of character was evident as she reflected on the match.

"They batted first and we bowled well," she said. 'They put up a score that we could confidently chase, and we worked well as a unit."

More was yet to come as Uganda went on to beat Zimbabwe again earlier this year to further highlight their improvement.

"They were like, 'How can Uganda beat us?'" said a proud Awino. "We had to prove to them that we can beat them in a clear way, and we did it again."

Cricket in Uganda has been spurred on by the success of the women's side in recent times and Awino heralded initiatives in schools as a key factor behind the gains made.

"Cricket is starting to become really popular for girls in Uganda, there are lots of school competitions. We play for the national team now, but we started in school in form one, got into the under 19s, and became champions of East Africa.

"The chance is there and we are ready to take it," Awino said of the qualifier in the Netherlands. "The people of Uganda will be excited, because they believe in us and they are supporting us."

Kemigisha highlighted the Ugandan's strength in youth, which has seen a host of young players graduate from school cricket straight into the side, while some of the group are remarkably still at school and turning out for the national team.

"We have been training hard – really, really hard – and our team is full of young girls," she added.

Uganda begin their WT20Q campaign on Saturday 7 July against Scotland.