GABORONE
Uganda edge Namibia in Group B opener while Rwanda defend 79 against Nigeria,
Botswana recover from 50 for seven to claim victory over Sierra Leone by 1 wicket,
Tanzania make light work of Mozambique to underline their pre-tournament favourite status.
Pako Mapotsana was the star, as hosts Botswana made a dream start to the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup Qualifier tournament in Gaborone on Saturday.
Mapotsana first snared four for 15 in her four overs, to help restrict Sierra Leone to 98 all out in their innings. But the drama was only beginning, as the hosts then crashed to 42 for six in their pursuit of the target.
Batting at number seven, Mapotsana struck a nerveless 44 not out from 37 balls, to guide the hosts home by just one wicket. Sierra Leone will rue giving away 22 extras to the cause, which was ultimately the difference.
In the opening match of the tournament, Rwanda upset Nigeria by 9 runs, despite only making 79 all out in their innings. Ill-discipline with the ball cost the Nigerians, with 20 wides being the highest contributor to the Rwandan total.
In contrast, Rwanda was miserly, giving away just five extras. Belise Murekatete and Gisele Ishimwe both took three for 15, as Nigeria folded under the pressure of accurate bowling and enthusiastic fielding.
In the second match of the morning, steady Ugandan bowling won the day over Namibia. Mekelaye Mwatile (34) and Engela van der Merwe (22) added 57 for the first wicket, but the rate was kept in check by Uganda. Patricia Timong (three for 7) was resolute in line and length, and Namibia could only reach 85 for five in 20 overs.
The response from Uganda was helped massively by extras. Namibia took early wickets, with just three runs off the bat. But 20 extras, meant Uganda were 23 for four, and they maintained composure to win by four wickets, with 15 balls to spare.
In the fourth match of the opening day, Tanzania confirmed their billing as pre-tournament favourites, by routing Mozambique by nine wickets. The developing Mozambique side was bowled out for 19, in 8.4 overs, as the lessons came quickly on the field. Mwanamvua Ushanga took four for 4 in her four overs, and there were three run outs as the pressure told on the inexperienced Mozambique side.
There was early joy with the wicket of Agnes Qwele, bowled by Dalciesia Duvane, but Tanzania quickly reached their target after two overs.
They will be the side to beat in Gaborone…
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Scores in brief:
Botswana v Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone 98 all out in 18 overs (C Bull 19, P Mapotsana four for 15)
Botswana 100 for nine in 18.5 overs (P Mapotsana 44 not out, H Sawanneh four for 24)
Botswana won by one wicket
Nigeria v Rwanda
Rwanda 79 all out in 17.3 overs (M Uwase 16, H Bam four for 11)
Nigeria 70 all out in 16.5 overs (V Igbinedion 27, B Murekatete three for 15, G Ishimwe three for 15)
Rwanda won by 9 runs
Namibia v Uganda
Namibia 85 for five in 20 overs (M Mwatile 34, E vd Merwe 22, P Timong three for 7)
Uganda 87 for six in 17.3 overs (M Ariokot 20 not out, P Timong 18)
Uganda won by four wickets
Mozambique v Tanzania
Mozambique 19 all out in 8.4 overs (M Ushanga four for 4)
Tanzania 20 for one in two overs (M Ushanga 12 not out)
Tanzania won by nine wickets.
FIXTURES:
Sunday 4th September
9:30am (BCA 1) Botswana vs Namibia
9:30am (BCA 2) Mozambique vs Malawi
2:00pm (BCA 1) Nigeria vs Tanzania
2:00pm (BCA 2) Sierra Leone vs Uganda
Monday 5th September Rest Day
Tuesday 6th September
9:30am (BCA 1) Botswana vs Uganda
9:30am (BCA 2) Namibia vs Sierra Leone
2:00pm (BCA 1) Rwanda vs Malawi
2:00pm (BCA 2) Nigeria vs Mozambique
Wednesday 7th September
9:30am (BCA 1) Malawi vs Tanzania
2:00pm (BCA 1) Mozambique vs Rwanda
Thursday 8th September Rest Day
Friday 9th September
9:30am (BCA 1) Tanzania vs Rwanda
9:30am (BCA 2) Malawi vs Nigeria
Saturday 10th September
9:30am (BCA 1) Semi Final 1
B2 vs A1
2:00pm (BCA 1) Semi Final 2
A2 vs B1
Sunday 11th September Rest Day
Monday 12th September
9:30am (BCA 1) 3rd & 4th Place Playoff
2:00pm (BCA 1) Final.
