Sierra Leone’s Senior Women’s Cricket Team has etched its name in history by officially qualifying for Division One of the ICC Africa T20 International (T20I) Qualifier, after a stunning run of four consecutive victories in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division Two tournament in Gaborone, Botswana.

The national side, nicknamed the Ladies Patriots, delivered a commanding performance throughout the group stages, defeating host nation Botswana by five wickets on Wednesday and overcoming Malawi by six wickets on Thursday. The Malawi victory shattered a long-standing barrier that had kept Sierra Leone from ascending to the elite Division One level of African women’s cricket.

Saturday’s final against Rwanda will offer Sierra Leone the chance to clinch its second gold medal in just three months—a remarkable feat that signals a new era of dominance for women’s cricket in the country.

Leading the individual performance charts is Emma Kamara, who is currently the tournament’s top run-scorer, amassing 134 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 67.00. Team captain Aminata Kamara has also made her mark, topping the batting strike rate table with 156.36 across her three innings.

This latest achievement echoes the team’s earlier triumph in Gaborone, where they won the North West Africa Cricket Council (NWACC) Women’s Championship earlier this year. Their 2025 campaign is fast becoming a landmark chapter in Sierra Leonean sporting history.

Beyond the scoreboard, this qualification marks a significant cultural milestone. For a nation where women’s sports have often battled for attention and resources, the success of the Ladies Patriots is a powerful statement of resilience, determination, and national pride. The team has defied logistical challenges, limited training opportunities, and a lack of high-profile exposure to rise among the continent’s top cricketing nations.

Their promotion to Division One also places them within reach of a dream once considered distant: participation in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. It’s a step that could pave the way for global recognition and inspire a new generation of female athletes back home.

With the final against Rwanda looming, the team is not only vying for another title but also seeking to solidify its reputation as a formidable force in African cricket. A win would further amplify calls for increased investment in women’s sports and cricket infrastructure in Sierra Leone.

As celebrations begin across the country, the message is clear: Sierra Leone’s women cricketers are not just playing to win—they are playing to change the game.

Congratulations to the Queens of the Crease!

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-womens-cricket-team-qualifies-for-top-tier-icc-africa-competition/