Cricket Uganda unveils Baby Victoria Pearls squad for U19 World Cup Qualfiers
David GOMBE
Cricket Uganda has officially announced the final travelling squad for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier slated for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The high-stakes continental championship will see eight elite nations battle through a rigorous pool phase and knockout rounds for a single, coveted ticket to the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup to be hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.
Uganda’s Baby Victoria Pearls head into the tournament on the back of an intensive residential camp in Kololo under head coach Brian Masaba and assistant coach Ivan Kakande.
The technical team has focused on tactical execution, middle-overs management and high-intensity match fitness to prepare the side for tournament cricket.
The squad will be anchored by 2026 High Performance Cup Series MVP Sarah Tino and leading wicket-taker Asha Mukite, who are expected to lead the team in high-pressure scenarios.
Tournament Groups:
Group A: Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi
Group B: Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, Rwanda
Uganda is in Group A alongside hosts Tanzania, Nigeria and Malawi.
Uganda Fixtures (Group A):
•Aug 30:Nigeria vs Uganda – 9:30 AM
•Aug 31:Tanzania vs Uganda – 2:00 PM
•Sep 02:Uganda vs Malawi – 9:30 AM
*Knockouts: Semi-finals on September 3, with the final and play-offs on September 5. Only the tournament champion qualifies for the World Cup.
BABY VICTORIA PEARLS SQUAD:
1. Jimia Abdallah Mohamed (Captain), 2. Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime, 3. Rashidah Tikabula, 4. Sarah Tino, 5. Mischelle Ariago, 6. Irene Mutonyi, 7. Mary Namiiro, 8. Elizabeth Acheng, 9. Asha Mukite, 10. Sheirah Namagoba, 11. Mariam Biribawa, 12. Blessing Noeline Apio, 13. Joan Ilora, 14. Devine Gabriella Nyamer
Reserves: Hasfa Naula, Sonia Nampeera
Brian Masaba, Head Coach:
“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 be able 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.”
Jimia Mohammed, Captain:
“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 single player understands the responsibility of wearing the national colours. We are heading to Tanzania with a clear mindset: to take it one game at a time, execute our plans fearlessly, and leave everything on the field.”
