TANZANIA's U-19 women's cricket team has stepped up its preparations for the ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifier by facing Uganda in the Bilateral T20 Series, which got underway at the Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala yesterday.

The two teams will battle it out in the showdown comprising a series of five T20 matches to be played at the venue from July 22-27.

The week-long showdown, as disclosed by Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Media and Communication Officer Atif Salim, is a vital part of Tanzania's U-19 women's team preparations for the ICC U-19 Women's World Cup Qualifier scheduled for next month in Rwanda.

The national U-19 women's team was officially seen off in Dar es Salaam last weekend before making the trip to Uganda for the five-game Bilateral T20 Series.

Ashish Nagewadia, TCA vice chairman, and women's senior and U-19 cricket teams' chief selector Virendra Kamania, attended the send-off ceremony.

Nagewadia praised the team's cricketers' dedication and expressed confidence in their potential to succeed internationally.

Kamania highlighted the series' importance for the players' development and preparation for future challenges.

The cricketers, eager and determined, aim to represent their country with honour and come back triumphantly.

The nation, the official remarked, stands behind them, wishing for a successful and memorable series in Uganda.

The series against Uganda, according to Salim, promises to be an intense and valuable experience for the Tanzania U-19 women's squad.

The official pointed out that with the squad consisting of a blend of young talent and a few experienced players, the showdown aims to test the performers' skills and strategies.

The squad's head coach Arun Yadav highlighted the importance of the series for his charges' preparations, stating: "This series is an excellent opportunity for our young players to showcase their talent and gain crucial match experience."

Team captain Jeniffer Gabriel shared her excitement, pointing out: "We are thrilled to be playing against Uganda. It’s a great opportunity to know where we stand and what areas we must improve before the World Cup Qualifier."

Salim disclosed cricketers making the national U-19 women’s team battling it out in the series are Agnes Joseph, Zuhura Masoud, Saumu Deo (wicketkeeper), Saidath Simba, Lightness Eliud, Maria Lucas, Joan Jackson, and skipper Jeniffer Gabriel.

Adolphina Jeremiah, Englid Geoffrey, Josephine Ulirk, Rebecca Martin, Mwanaidi Athuman, Zakia Ally, Rahima Yahya, and Farida Amiry are also on the squad's list. Veteran female cricketer and coach, Monica Paschal, is the squad's assistant coach.

The national cricket governing body, Salim noted, has been zealous in providing the national U-19 women's team with the necessary resources and support.

The association's CEO Hamisi Abdallah emphasized the significance of international exposure for the players' development.

Abdallah pointed pout: "This series is vital for our U-19 women’s cricket team as it prepares them for high-stakes tournaments like the World Cup Qualifier."

As the team was preparing to depart for Uganda, the official insisted that the entire nation stood behind them, wishing them success and hoping for strong performances that would build confidence for the ICC U-19 Women's World Cup Qualifier in Rwanda.

Cricketers making Uganda's U-19 women's squad are Malisa Ariokot, Lona Anyait, Patricia Timong, Jimia Muhamed, Mitchelle Ariago, Immaculate Nandera, and Asumin Akurut. 

Irene Mutoni, Patricia Apolot, Naume Amongin, Hope Mbeiza, Erex Aronda, Giringish Nabulime, and Rashida Tikabulala are the other players on the squad.

As per the Bilateral T20 Series fixtures released by the Uganda Cricket Association, the showdown's hosts were slated to confront the visitors in the opening clash yesterday afternoon, followed by a tie to be played the following day.

The two teams are scheduled to face each other at the same venue tomorrow, with the clash expected to start at 2 pm. The series' last game is set to take place on July 26.

Fourteen teams will compete in the ICC U-19 Women's World Cup Qualifier to become the sole representative for the rest of Africa at the U-19 Women's World Cup, slated for next year in Malaysia.

The U-19 Women's World Cup is a new ICC tournament, with the first edition won by India in South Africa in 2023.