By Mahamood Fofana
Sierra Leone’s U-19 Women’s Cricket Team wrapped up their campaign at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier on a high note, securing an emphatic eight wicket victory over Mozambique in their final match. Despite the strong finish, the team narrowly missed out on qualification, ending the tournament in third place overall.
Hosted in Uganda, the regional qualifiers brought together emerging women’s cricket teams from across Africa, all competing for a place in the next stage of the global tournament. Sierra Leone’s young side often referred to as the “Young Patriots” demonstrated resilience and growth throughout the competition, finishing with two wins from four matches.
Only the top two teams, Malawi and Kenya, progressed to the next round, leaving Sierra Leone just short of qualification. However, their campaign was far from disappointing, as it showcased the rising potential of women’s cricket in the country.
The standout performer for Sierra Leone was undoubtedly Theresa Tommy, whose all round brilliance became the defining highlight of the team’s campaign. Tommy delivered consistent and impactful performances, particularly with the ball, finishing the tournament with an impressive tally of seven wickets. Her efforts earned her two Player of the Match awards, underlining her influence in key fixtures.
Sierra Leone’s journey in the tournament began on a challenging note with a heavy 70 run defeat to Malawi. In that opening encounter, Malawi posted 110/7 in their allotted 20 overs, setting a target that proved difficult for the Young Patriots to chase. The loss exposed early weaknesses but also set the stage for a determined response.
The team quickly regrouped and showed character in their second match, producing a dominant nine wicket victory over Cameroon. That performance not only boosted morale but also demonstrated the squad’s ability to adapt and respond under pressure.
Although Sierra Leone suffered another setback against Kenya in their third match, their fighting spirit remained intact. They entered their final game against Mozambique with determination and delivered a composed performance, comfortably chasing down their target to seal an eight-wicket win.
While the team’s exit from the qualifiers may be disappointing, the tournament has provided valuable experience and exposed the players to a higher level of competition. More importantly, it has highlighted the emergence of promising talents capable of shaping the future of women’s cricket in Sierra Leone.
With players like Theresa Tommy stepping up on the regional stage, there is growing optimism that Sierra Leone can build a stronger, more competitive side in the coming years. The campaign, though short of qualification, serves as a foundation for future success and a clear indication that the country’s investment in women’s cricket is beginning to yield results.
