Sierra Leone’s senior women’s cricket team begins its campaign today against Nigeria in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Division One Qualifier, underway in Windhoek, Namibia. The tournament runs until September 6.
The fixture revives memories of their lone previous ICC encounter on September 9, 2021, when Nigeria defeated Sierra Leone by five wickets in the Africa Qualifier group stage.
Eight teams are competing for just two places at the Global Qualifier for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Alongside Sierra Leone and Nigeria, the field includes hosts Namibia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
Matches will be played at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground and the HP Cricket Oval, both offering top-class facilities.
Cricket Namibia Chief Executive Johan Muller welcomed the teams, calling the event a milestone for the women’s game on the continent.
“Namibia is pleased to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier and to welcome seven international teams to our new home of cricket,” he said. “This event is not only about qualification, but also about celebrating the incredible rise of women’s cricket in Africa. We hope all participants enjoy the competition and the warm hospitality our country is known for.”
For Sierra Leone, the match is both a challenge and a chance to set the tone for the tournament. The team will look to overturn their 2021 result against Nigeria and make a strong statement in their opening game. With women’s cricket continuing to grow across Africa, the Leone Stars hope their performance can inspire young players back home.
