The Malawi Under-19 Women’s National Cricket Team is through to the next stage of International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier after finishing as runners-up in the five-team Africa Division Two Qualifier in Uganda.
Malawi lost by 42 runs to Kenya in Africa Division Two Qualifier final on Saturday at Entebbe Cricket Oval after posting 70/9 in 20 overs against Kenya’s 112/2.
qualification. | Courtesy of Cricket Malawi
However, they finished within the required qualifying brackets as top two teams progress to the next qualifier later this year in Tanzania.
Kenya topped the table with eight points from four-straight wins while Malawi finished second on five points followed by Sierra Leone, Mozambique and Cameroon with four, three and zero points, respectively.
In an interview, Malawi Under-19 Women’s Cricket Team captain Favour Piliyesi said: “I am excited that we have qualified, but still need to improve in some areas to succeed in the next stage. Against Kenya, we started well, but lost our rhythm. We have learned a lot of lessons, which will help us in our next assignments.”
Malawi team coach Kyle Frederick Durant said finishing second on the continental stage and progressing to the next stage is a huge achievement.
“While the result did not go in our favour, this tournament represents important progress in the development of women’s cricket in Malawi. Competing at a continental level provides invaluable exposure, experience and learning for a young squad building towards the future,” he said.
“Every tournament strengthens the pathway. Every match builds resilience and every challenge contributes to growth. We are proud of the players and support staff for their commitment, discipline and representation of Malawi on the regional stage. The work continues.”
Out of four the matches at Africa Division Two Qualifier, Malawi Under-19 women won two and lost one while the other one was abandoned due to rains.
They beat Cameroon by eight runs in the opener before beating Sierra Leone by 70 runs. The encounter against Mozambique was washed out.
