Uganda’s Baby Victoria Pearls are set for a major continental challenge after Cricket Uganda confirmed the final squad that will represent the country at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The tournament, scheduled for August 30 to September 5, will bring together eight of Africa’s top emerging women’s cricket teams, with the champions earning the continent’s only qualification ticket to the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Uganda has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Tanzania, Nigeria and Malawi, while Group B features Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya and Rwanda. The Baby Victoria Pearls will begin their campaign against Nigeria on August 30 before facing Tanzania on August 31 and Malawi on September 2.
The squad enters the competition after an intensive residential training camp in Kololo under head coach Brian Masaba and assistant coach Ivan Kakande. The technical team has concentrated on tactical execution, middle-over management and improving match fitness as Uganda prepares for the demanding regional battle.
The team will be led by captain Jimia Abdallah Mohammed, with key performers including 2026 High Performance Cup Series Most Valuable Player Sarah Tino and leading wicket-taker Asha Mukite, who are expected to play important roles throughout the tournament.
Head coach Brian Masaba believes the team’s preparation has placed the players in a strong position but insists success will depend on performance on the day.
“The camp has been very good so far. We’ve seen a lot of improvement over the last couple of days since we started, and we’re very happy with where the girls are at the moment. For us as a team, we need to understand that cricket games are won on the day. It’s not about names or players; it’s about who shows up on the day.”
Captain Jimia Mohammed said the players understand the significance of the assignment and are ready to fight for Uganda’s place on the global stage.
“Our preparations have been intensive, and the group has put in an incredible amount of work to get our fitness, fielding and tactical execution to the required level. We know what is at stake with only one spot available for the World Cup, and every player understands the responsibility of wearing the national colours.”
She added that the team’s focus will be on taking each match as it comes, executing their plans and giving their best effort throughout the tournament.
Baby Victoria Pearls Squad
Jimia Abdallah Mohammed (Captain)
Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime
Rashidah Tikabula
Sarah Tino
Mischelle Ariago
Irene Mutonyi
Mary Namiiro
Elizabeth Acheng
Asha Mukite
Sheirah Namagoba
Mariam Biribawa
Blessing Noeline Apio
Joan Ilora
Devine Gabriella Nyamer
Reserves: Hasfa Naula, Sonia Nampeera
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on September 3, with the final scheduled for September 5.
