ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, Division One 2025
Kenya Women 107/8 (20 overs) – Ooko 41; Aweko 2/12
Uganda Women 108/2 (18.4 overs) – Mbabazi 63, Musamali 21; Khagoitsa 1/22
Uganda Women registered a well-paced eight-wicket win against Kenya Women in their final Group B encounter at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Windhoek on Wednesday.
The result ensured Uganda made the semifinal to book a date with group A leaders Zimbabwe, while Kenya set up a clash against Nigeria. The latter will be seeking their first win in the tournament, while Uganda looks to qualify for the Globals.
Kenya Build around Ooko’s Resistance
Asked to bat first, Kenya were pegged back early when captain Queentor Abel was dismissed without scoring. Uganda’s bowlers maintained a tight grip, led by Consy Aweko, who finished with 2 for 12 from her four overs.
Esther Wachira (25) offered some stability at the top, but it was Venasa Ooko who provided the backbone of the innings.
Her unbeaten 41 from 32 balls, which included five fours and a six, lifted Kenya to 107 for 8. While the total gave their bowlers something to defend, wickets falling at regular intervals meant they could never accelerate as planned.
Mbabazi Guides the Chase
In reply, Uganda lost opener Immaculate Nakisuuyi early, but captain and player of the match Janet Mbabazi held the innings together with a patient and composed knock. Her 63 not out from 61 deliveries ensured Uganda stayed on track throughout the chase while also notching her very first T20I half-century.
Esther Iloku chipped in with 15, while Rita Musamali added an unbeaten 21 off 18 balls to close out the game with eight balls to spare. Kenya’s bowling effort was highlighted by Melvin Khagoitsa’s tidy spell of 1 for 22, though the lack of breakthroughs made defending the target difficult.
Balanced Performances Define the Contest
Uganda’s success was built on disciplined bowling thanks to Consy Aweko’s control (2 for 12) and Sarah Akiteng, who restricted Kenya’s top and middle order.
For Uganda, the performance meant a complete turnaround of events after losing to Tanzania by 1 run in their first encounter of these qualifiers. Kenya, meanwhile, will look to build on Ooko’s innings and aim for more collective contributions with both bat and ball as they keep in the hunt for maiden glory.