Team Uganda will clash off with hosts Tanzania in the second-place decider at the ICC Africa Women’s Twenty20 showpiece on Monday afternoon at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Oval.
The two sides were meant to face off in the opener. But owing to changes in the earlier communicated fixtures, they will meet to decide who finishes behind leaders South Africa.
South Africa already have six points having won all their three ties including a 30-run win over Uganda on Saturday afternoon. They are odds-on favourites when they play Kenya.
And it is South Africa’s four-wicket win over Tanzania yesterday that has set up the much anticipated encounter. Both Tanzania and Uganda have four points having beaten Kenya and Namibia with the hosts poising a better Net Run Rate (NRR).
For Uganda, they have a chance to revenge having lost to Tanzania by eight runs in a nerve-testing opener of the ICC Africa Women T20 World Cup Qualifier last year.
“We want to pay back for that defeat,” said captain Naomi Kayondo. That defeat then, when Uganda ended on 79-9 in pursuit of 87, was Kayondo’s first assignment as skipper.
“Like I said, we are capable of beating any side apart from South Africa this time round.” Kayondo, who top scored with 18 runs in the 12-run victory over Kenya, added.
And if there is anything that should raise the entire team’s hopes, that should be all-rounder Christine Aryemo’s form.
After bowling out Namibia for a paltry 29 runs, Aryemo struck 18 runs for Uganda to script a nine-wicket win yesterday and now leads the team’s batters with 37 runs in three innings. Aryemo also had best bowling figures of 3/20 despite defeat to South Africa.
ICC AFRICA WOMEN’S T20 CRICKET TOURNEY MONDAY – 2PM
Uganda vs. Tanzania (At Gymkhana Oval)
WEEKEND RESULTS
Uganda 63/9 Kenya 51/10 Uganda won by 12 runs
South Africa 93/8 Uganda 63/6 Uganda lost by 30 runs
Namibia 29/10 Uganda 30/1 Uganda won by nine wickets