Cricket debuted at the ongoing 13th Africa Games, and now in its business end, Nigeria and Uganda are set to lock horns in the 3rd place playoff on the 13th of March, 2024, at the Achimota Cricket Ground, Accra, at 3:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
From 3 league games, while Nigeria has won 1, lost 1, and the other didn’t have an outcome, Uganda has won a couple and lost only one game.
Squads:
Nigeria – Etim Blessing, Sunday Salome, Christabel Chukwuonye, Esther Odunayo, Igbobie Abigail, Etim Sarah, Eseigbe Favour, Adekunle Shola, Agboya Peculiar, Lucky Piety, Esther Sandy, Usen Peace, Abdulrasaq Rukayat, Igbinedion Victory, Samson Rachael
Uganda – Consy Aweko (C), Janet Mbabazi, Kevin Awino (WK), Immaculate Nandera, Esther Iloku, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Ritah Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Sarah Walaza, Evelyn Anyipo, Gloria Obukor, Sarah Akiteng, Malisa Ariokot, Lorna Anyait, Phiona Khulume
Players to watch out:
Sunday Salome
The 22-year-old batter, from 51 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), has racked up 866 runs, including the highest of 63. Sunday was in notable form in the lead-up to the Africa Games and kicked off her campaign with a solid 40. Though in the following outings, she departed on scores of 5 and 10, she is the batter in form and can be banked upon for the runs.
Usen Peace
The 16-year-old pacer made her T20I debut this tournament, registering figures of 1/3 and followed up with figures of 3/5, 1/15, and 0/10. Notably, Usen has maintained an economy rate of 2.75 and averages 6.6. She has been in fine form, and it’ll be hoped she carries forward this momentum into the knockout, leading the wickets tally.
Janet Mbabazi
The 28-year-old all-rounder in T20Is has amassed 875 runs from 66 outings, while she has bagged 74 wickets from 56 innings, with the best of 42* and 4/12. Janet has struggled for runs this competition but has compensated with the ball, returning figures of 1/10, 2/17, 1/12, and 1/17. The team will count on her for another good spell and a return to form with the bat.
Immaculate Nakisuyi
The 28-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, from 51 outings, has accumulated 720 runs, including the highest of 57*, and claimed 30 wickets, with the best of 4/15, from 28 innings. Immaculate, while registering successive figures of 2/17, 2/10, and 4/15 this Games campaign, also notched up an unbeaten 57. She’ll be relied upon for an all-round effort.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at Achimota Cricket Ground make a well-balanced center wicket, promising an engaging contest. The wicket assists both spinners and pacers effectively, while batters too enjoy their time in the middle with an average score in the 120s.
Weather:
Despite cloudy overhead, the chances of rain during match hours are minimal, and a complete game of cricket can be expected. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 31°C, with moderate winds and humidity at 75%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Esther Iloku, Stephanie Nampiina, Gloria Obukor, Sunday Salome, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Agboya Peculiar, Janet Mbabazi, Ritah Musamali, Consy Aweko, Usen Peace, Lorna Anyait
Match details:
Date – March 13, 2024
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Achimota Cricket Ground, Accra
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and YouTube.