"VAN" (Sports Desk - 08.09.2026) :: Nigeria were crowned champions of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier after holding their nerve to defeat Zimbabwe by four runs in a dramatic final at the ESTIM Ground, Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Cricket Arena, on Saturday.
Defending a 98-run total, Nigeria dismissed Zimbabwe for 94 with just one delivery remaining to complete a perfect tournament in which they won all five of their matches.
The victory also secured Nigeria their qualification place at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 in Bangladesh and Nepal, where they will join South Africa as the continent’s representatives.
Uganda finished third after defeating Rwanda by seven wickets, hosts Tanzania secured fifth position with a 29-run victory over Kenya, while Namibia defeated Malawi by nine wickets to finish seventh.
NIGERIA vs ZIMBABWE
Nigeria held their nerve in a tense, low scoring final to defeat Zimbabwe by four runs and complete an unbeaten run through the tournament.
Batting first at the ESTIM Ground, Nigeria were made to work for every run by a disciplined Zimbabwe attack.
Captain Christabel Chukwuonye provided an important late contribution of 21 from 19 deliveries, while Beauty Oguai made 19 from 35 and Jessica Bieni contributed 15 from 25. Deborah Bassey added a valuable unbeaten 10 from just four balls as Nigeria closed on 98 for six from their 20 overs.
Christina Mutasa was Zimbabwe’s leading bowler with two for 11 from four overs, including a maiden, while Tadiwanashe Garutsa conceded only eight runs from her four overs and claimed one wicket.
Zimbabwe’s pursuit began positively through Nicolette Nyika, who made 18, and Christina Mutasa, who contributed 13, but Nigeria struck repeatedly to reduce them to 38 for five.
Bethel Zinyama and Salem Museka then revived Zimbabwe’s hopes with a crucial 47 run sixth wicket partnership. Zinyama made 21 from 31 deliveries, while Museka kept the chase alive with 27 from 32.
With the pressure increasing in the closing overs, Nigeria found the breakthroughs they needed. Peace Usen led the attack with three for 19, while Jennifer Godwin claimed two for 11 and Annointed Akhigbe took two for 15.
Zimbabwe entered the final stages within touching distance of the target, but Nigeria remained composed and dismissed them for 94 in 19.5 overs to clinch a four-run victory and the championship.
An emotional Nigeria captain Christabel Chukwuonye praised her teammates for remaining united and composed throughout the competition.
“I actually cried when the game was over because I could not really express what I was feeling. The next phase is just the beginning and we know it will be tougher. My team has really been the best. They listened to the coaches, stayed united and, even with the pressure in the last over, they were able to hold their nerves. I wouldn’t be here holding this trophy without the support of the coaching crew and my players. I am very grateful to all of them.”
Nigeria’s victory brought an exceptional campaign to a close, having defeated Uganda, Malawi and Tanzania in the group stage before overcoming Rwanda in the semi-final and Zimbabwe in the final.
RWANDA vs UGANDA
Uganda secured third position with a seven-wicket victory over Rwanda in the morning fixture at the ESTIM Ground.
Rwanda posted 73 for nine from their 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Fanny Utagushimaninde top-scored with 21 from 19 deliveries, while Christella Uwambajimana made 10 and Justine Ingabire finished unbeaten on nine.
Sheirah Namagoba was outstanding for Uganda, returning three for just five runs from four overs, including a maiden, while Blessing Apio claimed two for 11.
Uganda were then reduced to 14 for three during their chase before Mary Namiiro and Sarah Tino completely changed the course of the match.
Namiiro struck an unbeaten 38 from 33 deliveries, while Tino provided valuable support with 20 not out from 38. Their unbroken 60 run partnership carried Uganda to 74 for three in 16.1 overs.
Namiiro was named Player of the Match as Uganda ended their campaign in third place, with Rwanda finishing fourth.
TANZANIA vs KENYA
Hosts Tanzania ended their campaign on a winning note with a 29-run victory over Kenya in the fifth place playoff at the NTS Ground.
After losing an early wicket, Rebeca Martin and Lightness Eladius rebuilt the Tanzanian innings. Martin top-scored with 37 from 54 deliveries, striking four boundaries, while Eladius contributed 32 from 42 balls.
Their efforts helped Tanzania recover to 106 for five from their 20 overs. Melvin Khagoitsa was the pick of Kenya’s bowlers with two for nine from four overs.
Dorice Helment then produced one of the finest bowling displays of the tournament.
Helment tore through the Kenyan batting order to finish with outstanding figures of five for eight from four overs. Rahima Yahaya added two for 13, while Maria Massawe and Sabrina Jaffu also claimed wickets.
Nancy Wafula led Kenya with 21, while Nezarine Oluoch made 13 and Zainab Hamisi 11, but Kenya were dismissed for 77 in 19 overs.
Helment was named Player of the Match as Tanzania secured fifth position with a 29-run victory.
MALAWI vs NAMIBIA
Lelly Khumus produced a five-wicket haul as Namibia completed their tournament with a nine-wicket victory over Malawi in the seventh place playoff at the NTS Ground.
Malawi struggled against a disciplined Namibian attack and were dismissed for 38 in 12.2 overs. Shavoni Akileni top-scored with eight, while Angela Lumbe and Rachel Zamapemba contributed five each.
Khumus returned exceptional figures of five for nine from four overs, including a maiden, while Monique Muller picked up two wickets.
Namibia quickly completed the chase, reaching 39 for one in just 5.1 overs. Unombuiro Kaanjosa finished unbeaten on 17, while Jani-Mari van Heerden contributed 15.
Khumus was named Player of the Match as Namibia secured seventh position, with Malawi finishing eighth.
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