Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the kick-off of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2023, set to commence on December 9 and conclude on December 17 in the picturesque surroundings of Entebbe, Uganda. This cricketing extravaganza will feature eight teams competing in a total of 16 matches, with the ultimate goal of securing a spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024 scheduled for early 2024.
The participating teams in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2023 include Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. As part of the tournament format, these eight teams have been strategically divided into two groups, with Group A consisting of Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, and Group B comprising Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2023 teams and squads
Botswana Women: Laura Mophakedia (captain/wicket-keeper), Merapelo Phiase, Oratile Kgeresi, Tebogo Moitoi, Tebogo Motlhabaphuti, Bontle Madimabe (wicket-keeper), Florence Samanyika, Goabilwe Matome, Pako Mapotsane, Shameelah Mosweu, Tuelo Shadrack, Amantle Mokgothe, Onneile Keitsemang, Wendy Moutswi
Kenya Women: Esther Wachira (captain), Kreesha Vivek Mehta, Mercy Sifuna, Venasa Ooko, Charity Muthoni (wicket-keeper), Daisy Njoroge, Mary Mwangi, Queentor Abel, Flavia Odhiambo, Josephine Abwom, Judith Ajiambo, Kelvia Ogola, Lavender Idambo, Melvin Idambo
Nigeria Women: Adeshola Adekunle, Esther Sandy, Rukayat Abdulrasaq, Abigail Igbobie (wicket-keeper), Lucy Piety (wicket-keeper), Sarah Etim (wicket-keeper), Blessing Etim, Favour Eseigbe, Lilian Ude, Salome Sunday, Victory Igbinedion, Peculiar Agboya, Rachael Samson, Christabel Chukwuoonye
Rwanda Women: Alice Ikuzwe, Delphine Mukarurangwa, Sharila Niyomuhoza, Flora Irakoze, Merveille Uwase (wicket-keeper), Belyse Murekatete, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette Ishimwe, Marie Bimenyimana, Marie Jose Tumukunde, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Josiane Nyirankundineza, Irera Rosine, Zulufat Mutoniwase
Tanzania Women: Hudaa Omary, Neema Pius, Sheila Shamte, Saumu Hussein (wicket-keeper), Shufaa Mohamedi (wicket-keeper), Aisha Mohamed, Fatuma Kibasu, Monica Pascal, Perice Zakayo Kamunya, Agnes Joseph Qwele, Mwajabu Salum, Mwanamvua Hamisi, Sophia Frank
Uganda Women: Consylate Aweko (captain), Ariokat Malisa, Prosscovia Alako, Rita Musamali, Esther IIku (wicket-keeper), Kevin Awino (wicket-keeper), Irene Alumo, Janet Mbabazi, Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Evelyn Anyipo, Lorna Anyait, Patricia Malemikia, Sarah Akiteng
Zimbabwe Women: Mary-Anne Musonda, Ashley Ndiraya, Chipo Mugeri, Nyasha Gwanzura, Chiedza Dhururu (wicket-keeper), Modester Mupachikwa (wicket-keeper), Josephine Nkomo, Kellies Ndlovu, Precious Marange, Audrey Mazvishaya, Francesca Chipare, Lindo Mabhera, Loren Tshuma, Nomvelo Sibanda
Namibia Women: Yet to be announced.
The group stage will witness each team facing the others in their respective group once, setting the stage for intense competition. The top two teams from each group will then advance to the semi-finals, where the battle for supremacy will intensify.
The climax of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2023 is scheduled for December 17, as the finalists vie for the coveted title at the Entebbe Cricket Oval.
Cricket enthusiasts in India can catch all the live action of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2023 on the FanCode app and website, as live streaming will be available for the entire tournament. However, there will be no live telecast on any television channel in India.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2023 schedule in India Standard Time (IST):
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| December 9, 2023 (Saturday) | Zimbabwe Women vs Kenya Women | 12:00 PM |
| December 9, 2023 (Saturday) | Tanzania Women vs Botswana Women | 4:20 PM |
| December 10, 2023 (Sunday) | Namibia Women vs Nigeria Women | 12:00 PM |
| December 10, 2023 (Sunday) | Rwanda Women vs Uganda Women | 4:20 PM |
| December 11, 2023 (Monday) | Kenya Women vs Tanzania Women | 12:00 PM |
| December 11, 2023 (Monday) | Botswana Women vs Zimbabwe Women | 4:20 PM |
| December 12, 2023 (Tuesday) | Nigeria Women vs Rwanda Women | 12:00 PM |
| December 12, 2023 (Tuesday) | Uganda Women vs Namibia Women | 4:20 PM |
| December 13, 2023 (Wednesday) | Kenya Women vs Botswana Women | 12:00 PM |
| December 13, 2023 (Wednesday) | Zimbabwe Women vs Tanzania Women | 4:20 PM |
| December 14, 2023 (Thursday) | Namibia Women vs Rwanda Women | 12:00 PM |
| December 14, 2023 (Thursday) | Uganda Women vs Nigeria Women | 4:20 PM |
| December 16, 2023 (Saturday) | Semi-final 1 | 12:00 PM |
| December 16, 2023 (Saturday) | Semi-final 2 | 4:20 PM |
| December 17, 2023 (Sunday) | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2023 final | 4:20 PM |
The tournament not only provides a platform for these emerging cricketing nations to showcase their talent but also offers a pathway to the prestigious ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in 2024. As the teams gear up for the challenge, the cricketing world is poised to witness thrilling encounters, exceptional performances, and the emergence of future cricketing stars.
With the beautiful backdrop of Entebbe setting the stage, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2023 promises to be a celebration of cricket, uniting nations and players in the pursuit of excellence on the field. As the cricketing fever grips Entebbe, fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama and the crowning of the deserving champions.