The Women Proteas and the Lady Chevrons, Africa’s no. 1 and 2 have exhibited exactly why they occupy that spot after winning their semifinal matches against the Victoria Pearls, Uganda and the Female yellowgreens, Nigeria on Monday, March 11, 2024.
South Africa’s captain, Nondumiso Shangase 38(42) put up a player of the match performance to ensure they defeated Uganda by 50 runs. She had these figures, 3-0-15-2 in addition to her batting performance as Uganda only managed 72-10 in 18.4 overs, falling short of the women proteas’ 122-4 in the first innings.
Shangase shared few words after her accolade was presented to her.
“It is the way my team is, we have a lot of spinners and when we are using it, it is a good way. I expect good cricket. I feel so happy, thanks to my mates for helping me achieve this”
Consy Aweko, Captain of Uganda apparently achieved her 100 wickets in T20i after figures 4-0-27-2. She was grateful to her team mates for their contribution to that feat.
“We did what we wanted to do, but we gave out a lot of runs. They took their chances and got the win. We have another day for my batters to come show us what they have to get us a medal.”
I am happy about it because it is not easy to make 100 wickets in a career and I still hope to get more ahead of me but I am grateful for the 100. It is a collection from my team mates, the catchers and the wicket keepers stumping, it is for all of us as Ugandans, so I am grateful to them.” She added
Finishing top of Group B with 6 points, Zimbabwe moves a step closer to gold medal after their 5 wickets win against Group A runners up, Nigeria later in the day.
The female yellow greens 74-9 was outscored by the Lady Chevrons, 75-5 in 16 overs.
Kelis Ndhlovu was the MVP for that match, with 4-1-12-3.
Captain of Nigeria, Blessing Etim was proud of her team, promising to push for bronze medal.
“A big congratulations to the ladies, I am so proud of them, we will do more next time. No time to rest, we will come train tomorrow, correct some mistakes in the batting and come stronger to play on Wednesday.”
Meanwhile, Mary-Anne Musonda was full of praise of the young Nigerian team.
“I think what is important is just to stay in the moment long enough and the girls did it. Chasing was a little bit tricky but we tried to calm ourselves down to hit our sweepers because the field was allowing that and we finished well, so obviously, few things to work on but I am proud of the girls to get here, well done team.”
“I will say all of them have done well, because if they make a run, you will see cheering themselves and with the age, they have a very bright future and their team chemistry is really impressive, all the best in the future.” She concluded.
On Wednesday, Uganda comes up against Nigeria on Oval A at 9am, before the final between South Africa and Zimbabwe at 2pm.
There are regular updates of the 13th African Games on Ghana Cricket Association Social Media handles:
CricketGhana on X
Ghana Cricket Association on Facebook
Cricket Ghana on Instagram
Ghana Cricket Media