A Tanzanian cricketer (left) readies to bat against her Kenyan counterpart during a recent event. PHOTO | file
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The young ladies will also compete against South Africa, Uganda and Kenya, with the top two teams qualifying for the 2014 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup, which will take place in Bangladesh.
Dar es Salaam. The national women’s cricket team will be seeking a flying start when they take on Namibia in a curtain-raiser of the 2013 ICC-Africa Women’s T20 tournament roaring
According to the revised fixtures released yesterday, the Tanzania-Namibia match, which takes place at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club ground, is among two opening matches that are on the menu today.
The day will also see South Africa and Uganda go head-to-head at the University of Dar es Salaam ground in what also promises to be a thriller. The event has been organised by Africa Cricket Organisation (ACA).
ACA was forced to revise the fixtures yesterday after Zimbabwe opted to skip the three-day event an eleventh hour.
The national women’s team skipper, Monica Pascal, said yesterday that she was optimistic they will have their campaign off to a bright start at the expense of Namibia.
“‘It will not be easy but we’ve got the capacity to compete and not just to participate. I am very proud to be part of this team.
“Cricket is in our blood and it’s an honour for me to captain this team and represent my country.
“We will take each match as it comes, but realistically I should say we are aiming for a top two finish,” she said confidently.
But they should not expect a win on a silver platter today as the Namibians, who flew into the country two days ago, have vowed to play their hearts out.
Namibia Cricket Association chief executive officer (CEO) Graham MacMillan was quoted earlier this week as saying their target was to finish among the top two teams.
“Our intention is to finish amongst the top two teams so don’t stand back to anyone and take your opportunity,” he told the Namibia team.
“The girls from South Africa and Tanzania are just as nervous, so this is a great chance for you to go to Bangladesh.
“Take up the challenge and make it happen,” MacMillan added.
According to the Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) official, Kazim Nasser, all the teams lined up for the tournament are already in Dar es Salaam for the event billed to be tough but exciting.
A week or so ago, Tanzania hosted the ICC-Africa Under-19 women’s tournament which saw the hosts finish second behind Uganda.
