Uganda defeated Botswana on the opening day of the ICC World Twenty20 Africa Qualifier and Regional Finals ©Twitter

Uganda defeated Botswana to start the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 Africa Qualifier and Regional Finals with a win.

The hosts triumphed by 52 runs at Lugogo Stadium in Kampala, totalling 142-7 from their 20 overs. 

It was the opening day of the competition due to the rescheduling of yesterday's matches following heavy rainfall.

In the remaining fixtures, Namibia beat Ghana by nine wickets, having restricted their opponents to 91-7 from 20 overs.

Kenya then defeated Nigeria by eight wickets. 

The top two teams will progress to the T20 World Cup Qualifier in the United Arab Emirates. 

The competition continues tomorrow when Uganda take on Namibia, Kenya meet Ghana and Botswana face Nigeria. 

At the 2019 ICC Women's Qualifier Americas, the United States secured a clean sweep with victory against Canada. 

The American side had already booked their places at the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier and the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier after earning their second consecutive win on Saturday.

Yesterday they triumphed by 35 runs having posted 116-6 from their 20 overs at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill.