Zimbabwe bags ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers, Botswana
The 3rd and 4th place Play-off was held yesterday, Sunday, 19th morning at 9:15am on BCA Oval A, between Uganda and Tanzania which turned out to be a rather one-sided affair, in favour of winners, Tanzania. Uganda batted first and could only post a very meagre total of 79 all out while Tanzania passed the score with 82 for the loss of 1 wicket in the 14th over, winning the match by 9 wickets.
The Finals played on Sunday, 19th afternoon at 2:15pm on BCA Oval A, between Zimbabwe and Namibia saw a few swings and roundabouts at irregular intervals, giving one the hope that it could turn out to be a fitting Final. Zimbabwe batting first, had a few minor blips during their innings, but nothing that prevented them from ending on 133 for the loss of 4 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Namibia did not start as well as they would have liked and despite a few spurts and bursts by one or two wielding the willow, they could not stem the fall of wickets at crucial times. Having made a brave effort to chase the target down, they were unable to gather enough runs for victory and ended up with 120 for the loss of 9 wickets, losing by 13 runs.
A restricted Awards Presentation ceremony was held at the end of the Finals in the presence of the teams and officials present at the time, as COVID-19 Protocols could not permit a larger audience.
BCA acknowledged the ICC Umpires and ICC Officials, and presented them with a Pennant for the tournament as a token of appreciation; this was handed over by the BCA CEO, Mr Fazal Sheriff.
The 3rd Place Trophy & medals for Tanzania as well as the Best Batter Award for Modester Mupachikwa (Zimbabwe) was presented by Mr Justine Ligyalingi, ICC Africa – Development Officer.
The Runners-Up Trophy & medals for Namibia as well as the Best Bowler Award for Loriyn Phiri (Zimbabwe) was presented by Mr Sumod Damodar, Botswana Cricket Association – Vice Chairman.
The Winners Trophy & medals for Zimbabwe as well as the Player of the Tournament Award for Fatuma Omary Kibasu (Tanzania) was presented by Mr Altaf Parekh, Botswana Cricket Association –Chairman.
As the prestigious and important tournament drew to a close, a sigh of huge relief can be let out, due to the nature of hosting. Restrictions and regulations in place, logistical nuances required and many other factors that played a vital role, in ensuring that the Biosecure bubble was intact and everyone in the event was safe and healthy at all times...........was indeed nerve-racking till the end. There were certainly shortcomings along the way, which were predominantly unavoidable, as solutions to all of them could only have been possible in normal times and without Covid restrictions.
On the whole we thank God (Kealeboga Modimo!), for enabling us to host and conclude the entire Event without any major catastrophe or calamity.
The BCA would also like to specifically make mention and thank Diagnofirm Medical Laboratories, for their tireless efforts, support and timely assistance, throughout the tournament, giving us the confidence and ability to ensure safety of all.
It would be remiss of the BCA (& ICC) if mention of the following were not made, for their roles during the tournament, namely, CleanAll Services (sanitization & hygiene), Vincent Travels & Tours (transportation), Avani & Stay Easy Inn (accommodation) and Life link (paramedics). Our appreciation also go to Security Services (security), Orange (internet connectivity), Mirchi Masala (catering), Ground Staff team, Scorers, Liaison Officers and the valuable volunteers (who will know themselves) for working tirelessly to the end.
The BCA sincerely thanks the Government of Botswana, BNSC, ICC, all participating teams, stakeholders, well-wishers, officials and the Media for their continued support, commitment and hard work in promoting Cricket and endorsing our efforts in "Bringing Cricket to the Nation".
