Match: Game 5
Date: 23 September
Venue: Gahanga 2
Event: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier
In an intense, low-scoring contest, Tanzania edged past Malawi by 17 runs to claim victory in Game 5 of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier. Opting to field after winning the toss, Malawi restricted Tanzania to a modest total, but their own batting struggles ultimately saw them fall short in the chase.
Tanzania’s Innings
Tanzania struggled for consistency after being sent in to bat, managing to post 86 all out in 17.4 overs. The standout performer for Tanzania was Agnes Joseph Qwele, who top-scored with a confident 32 off 32 balls, striking 5 boundaries and 1 six at a strike rate of 121.88. Despite her efforts, wickets fell at regular intervals, with Alinafe Alfonso from Malawi causing major damage, taking an impressive 3 wickets for 10 runs in her 2.4 overs.
Tanzania’s innings saw some key milestones, reaching 51 runs in 10.5 overs, but ultimately wrapped up at 86 with 10 extras contributing to the total.
Malawi’s Chase
Chasing 87 to win, Malawi found themselves in deep trouble early on. Despite some resistance from Febbe Malefula, who scored 25 off 25 balls at a strike rate of 68.00, and Mercy Kudimba with 19 off 19, Malawi could only manage 69/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Tanzania’s bowling was spearheaded by Jenipher Gabriel Kimaro, who took 2 wickets for 14 runs in her full 4 overs, keeping the pressure on throughout the chase.
Malawi’s score was largely supported by 9 extras, but they fell short by 17 runs despite reaching 50 runs in 15.3 overs.
Key Performances
Batting Highlights:
- Agnes Joseph Qwele (Tanzania): 32 (32), 5 fours, 1 six, SR 121.88
- Febbe Malefula (Malawi): 25 (25), 1 four, SR 68.00
- Mercy Kudimba (Malawi): 19 (19), 2 fours, SR 73.68
Bowling Highlights:
- Alinafe Alfonso (Malawi): 2.4 overs, 3 wickets, 10 runs, Economy 3.75
- Evah Kabwere (Malawi): 4 overs, 2 wickets, 14 runs, Economy 3.50
- Jenipher Gabriel Kimaro (Tanzania): 4 overs, 2 wickets, 14 runs, Economy 3.50
Match Summary
- Tanzania: 86 all out (17.4 overs)
- Malawi: 69/9 (20 overs)
- Result: Tanzania won by 17 runs
This victory places Tanzania in a strong position in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, while Malawi will need to regroup for their next encounter.
The match, which began at 9:27 AM and concluded at 12:19 PM, was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of cricket at this level.
Stay tuned to the Rwanda Cricket Association’s website for more updates, match summaries, and highlights from the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.
