KENYA IN T20 FINAL: National women team beats Uganda, faces UAE today

The women’s national cricket team put up a spirited fight to beat arch-rivals Uganda by one wicket and book their place in the finals of the International Women’s T20 Cup in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The victory saw the Kenyan women book a second date with their hosts today, who had beaten Kuwait by 29 runs in the other last four tie.

Vanessa Adhiambo starred for Kenya in the low scoring, but fiercely contested match grabbing three crucial wickets.

Adhiambo was the mastermind of Uganda’s downfall as she destroyed their game plan by eliminating their top order of Barbara Mukankusi and Racheal Ntono to weaken the opponent before she dismissed Rita Musamali of the tail order.

Uganda batted first, but were restricted by the Kenyan girls forcing a score of 76/9 in 20 overs. Kevin Awino was the lead scorer for the Ugandans with 13 runs not out.

Ntono’s 12 off 14 was the second highest score before she was caught by Esther Wangare off Vanessa Adhiambo. Sarah Bhakita did not let Gatrude Chandiru off the hook either as she ran her out with just seven runs to her name.

Edith Wanjiru caught and bowled Joyce Marry Apio while Naome Kayondo was caught by Adhiambo off Bhakita. Adhiambo also bowled economically for 12 in four overs. Bhakita was also good with the ball as she grabbed two wickets for six in four overs.

In Kenya’s innings Esther Wangari was Kenya’s best with the bat scoring 21 off 14 and hitting three boundaries before she was run out by Mukankusi. Skipper Daisy Wairimu was bowled by Stephanie Nampiina with her score at 10 off 21. Mary Wambui was also Nampiina’s causality as the Ugandan ran her out for 10 off 15. Sharon Juma was trapped leg before as Nampiina took three wicker

Kenya almost crumbled after the first stand wicket of Mary Wambui and Queentor Aoko fell with the scoreboard at 16/1. After Wambui, Aoko was ousted with her partnership with Veronica Abuga yielding a single run. The subsequent partnerships could not even last as the Kenyan girls were eliminated one by one to a score of 53/8. Wangari and Adhiambo formed a formidable partnership to take Kenya to a 76/9 for a tie with Uganda before Wangari was send off the crease.

Then Adhiambo completed the job for a score of 77/9.