ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024: Day 1 Round-Up
Vanuatu Shocks Zimbabwe, Scotland Triumphs Over Uganda
Vanuatu made a significant impact on the first day of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024, defeating Zimbabwe by six wickets at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Nasimana Navaika shone for Vanuatu, contributing significantly to her team’s victory with her all-round performance.
Meanwhile, Scotland secured a commanding 109-run victory over Uganda at Tolerance Oval, thanks to Rachel Slater’s five-wicket haul.
Zimbabwe vs Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s bowlers put on a dazzling display under the lights of Zayed Cricket Stadium, bundling Zimbabwe out for a meagre 61 runs in 13.3 overs. Spinner Nasimana Navaika was the standout performer, taking four wickets for 13 runs and disrupting Zimbabwe’s batting order. Vanessa Vira provided excellent support, claiming three wickets for 14 runs.
All-rounder Rachel Andrew also bowled impressively, taking two wickets for just 10 runs in her two overs. Despite some tight bowling from Zimbabwe, Vanuatu’s batters held their nerve and reached the target with 21 balls to spare, losing only four wickets in the process.
Navaika followed up her excellent bowling with a composed 21 off 36 balls, setting up the chase for her team. Her all-round performance earned her the player of the match award. Audrey Mazvishaya was the pick of the Zimbabwean bowlers, taking two wickets for 10 runs in her four-over spell, which included two maidens.
Scotland vs Uganda
After being asked to bat first by Uganda, Scotland posted a formidable total of 161 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs. This was largely due to an unbeaten 95-run fourth-wicket partnership between opener Sasika Horley and Ailsa Lister. Horley remained not out on a well-crafted 61 off 52 balls, while Lister scored a brisk 55 off 34 balls.
Earlier, Darcey Carter gave Scotland a flying start with her quickfire 24 off 16 balls. In response, Uganda struggled against the Scottish bowling attack, with Slater taking five wickets for 17 runs and Abtaha Maqsood claiming three for 10. Uganda was eventually dismissed for 52 in 12.2 overs, with only Phiona Kulume reaching double figures.
Scores in Brief:
Match 3:
Scotland beat Uganda by 109 runs
Scotland: 161 for 3, 20 overs (Sasika Horley 61*, Ailsa Lister 55*; Immaculate Nakisuuyi 1-29)
Uganda: 52 all out, 12.2 overs (Phiona Kulume 16*; Rachel Slater 5-17, Abtaha Maqsood 3-10)
Player of the match: Rachel Slater
Match 4:
Vanuatu beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Zimbabwe: 61 all out, 13.3 overs (Sharne Mayers 16; Nasimana Navaika 4-13, Vanessa Vira 3-14, Rachel Andrew 2-10)
Vanuatu: 62 for 4, 16.3 overs (Nasimana Navaika 21, Valenta Langiatu 13; Audrey Mazvishaya 2-10)
Player of the match: Nasimana Navaika