The 3rd Place Play-off of the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier at the Estim, TCA Cricket Arena in Dar-es-Salaam saw Rwanda Under-19 opt to set a score after taking first strike under cloudy skies. Captain and wicketkeeper-batter Fanny Utagushimaninde started with positive intent, anchoring the opening period with a brisk 21 off 19 deliveries, hitting 4 boundaries. However, her opening partner Deborah Uwase struggled to find timing, managing just 1 run from 8 balls before being trapped LBW by Mischelle Ariago (1/21 in 4 overs).
Utagushimaninde’s stay at the crease came to an end when she was caught by Mischelle Ariago off the bowling of Sarah Tino (1/23 in 4 overs). Following the early losses, Niyorukundo Uwase made a quick 4 off 7 balls before being dismissed by Sheirah Namagoba (3/5 in 4 overs), caught by Ariago. Christella Uwambajimana attempted to rebuild the innings with a patient 10 off 12 balls (1 four), but a sharp piece of fielding by Elizabeth Acheng and Devine Nyamer resulted in her being run out, triggering a middle-order slide.
Uganda’s bowling attack applied heavy pressure in the mid-overs. Sheirah Namagoba delivered a sensational spell, taking 3 wickets for just 5 runs in her 4 overs (including a maiden). She clean-bowled Agahozo Honnette (4 off 9 balls) and Ruth Uwimana (4 off 9 balls) in quick succession. Meanwhile, Blessing Apio maintained control from the other end, picking up 2 wickets for 11 runs in her 4 overs by removing Lina Ikuzwe (2 off 9 balls) bowled, and having Umukundwa Nasira (2 off 13 balls) caught by captain Mohammed Jimia.
Lower-order resistance came in patches as Grace Mugwaneza scored 3 off 15 balls before falling to Devine Nyamer (1/13 in 4 overs). Unbeaten contributions from Justine Ingabire (9* off 16 balls) and Chanceline Umutonni (1* off 3 balls), along with 12 extra runs, carried Rwanda to 73/9 at the end of their allotted 20.0 overs (Current Run Rate: 3.65).
Chasing a target of 74 runs, Uganda Under-19 endured a nightmare start to their innings, losing three top-order wickets inside the first five overs. Gilingish Nabulime was the first to fall for 6 off 10 balls, stumped by Fanny Utagushimaninde off the bowling of Ruth Uwimana with the score at 10/1 in 3.1 overs. Ruth Uwimana struck again in her next over, bowling Sheirah Namagoba (4 off 5 balls, 1 four) to leave Uganda at 14/2 in 4.0 overs.
The trouble deepened for Uganda at 14/3 in 4.2 overs when captain Mohammed Jimia (3 off 11 balls) was trapped LBW by Justine Ingabire. At this critical juncture, Player of the Match Mary Namiiro joined Sarah Tino in the middle, and the duo completely turned the chase around with an unbroken, match-winning 60-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Mary Namiiro played an aggressive and decisive counter-attacking innings, scoring an undefeated 38 off 33 balls, laced with 4 boundaries at a strike rate of 115.15. Her partner Sarah Tino provided stability at the other end, scoring a resilient 20* off 38 balls (1 four).
Rwanda tried six different bowling options to break the stand, but Uganda’s pair comfortably navigated the overs. Ruth Uwimana was the standout bowler for Rwanda, returning figures of 2/15 in 4 overs, while Justine Ingabire took 1/18 in her 4 overs. Lina Ikuzwe (0/6 in 2 overs), Grace Mugwaneza (0/6 in 2.1 overs), Chanceline Umutonni (0/21 in 3 overs), and Umukundwa Nasira (0/7 in 1 over) were unable to break the partnership.
Uganda Under-19 successfully reached 74/3 in 16.1 overs (Run Rate: 4.58) to win the match by 7 wickets with 23 balls to spare, securing 3rd place in the tournament.
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