Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE women’s national cricket team is set to embark on one of its most significant international assignments yet as it opens its 2025 ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy campaign against Namibia today in Bangkok, Thailand.
The tournament, which began on 18 November, runs until 1 December.
Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) chairman Balakrishnan Sreekumar confirmed yesterday that the national side is fully prepared for the challenge, as they enter an eight-nation competition featuring some of the fastest-rising teams in the women’s game.
According to the official fixtures, Tanzania will face Namibia, Scotland, the Netherlands, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uganda and Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the group stage.
“All seven opponents currently sit above Tanzania in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings,” Sreekumar noted.
Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, Sreekumar said the assignment represents a golden opportunity for Tanzania to accelerate its development.
“We have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” he added, welcoming the ICC’s decision to expand the tournament from six to eight teams, a move he believes offers Tanzania invaluable exposure at a higher competitive level.
“We are extremely fortunate to have the chance to play against seven teams ranked above us. Tanzania may be the lowest-ranked in the series, but we can be the dark horse. A few upsets will do a world of good for us.”
Sreekumar added that the expanded format provides a rare platform for Tanzania to fast-track its progress and urged the nation to rally behind the team.
He highlighted the steady improvements made in recent years, crediting greater investment and structural support for the team’s upward trend.
“Women’s cricket is a low-hanging fruit, and our girls are extremely talented. With increased focus, proper guidance, and better facilities, our women’s team can reach a ranking of 12 or 13 within a few years,” he said.
“Putting the players on national contracts and ensuring a fixed income has really benefited them. Now the girls know there is a career in cricket in Tanzania. I am convinced our women’s team can take Tanzanian cricket to greater heights.”
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